The Ebonyi State government has entered a partnership with the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) and the Rural Emergency Services Medical Ambulance Transport (RESMAT) to enhance medical responses across the state.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abakaliki, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, explained that the partnership aligns with the healthcare reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.
Ekuma stated that the collaboration aims to provide free transportation and medical care for pregnant women, women in labor, and children under five facing medical emergencies in rural areas. These patients will also receive free treatment within their first 24 hours at health facilities. The initiative is focused on reducing delays in transportation to health centers, which is a significant factor contributing to maternal and child mortality.
He noted that Ebonyi is the only state in the South-East currently enrolled in the RESMAT service, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery.
Dr. Emuren Doubra, Head of Operations at NEMSAS, emphasized that the program will improve access to critical health services for rural communities. Tricycles and boat ambulances will be deployed to remote areas to address transportation delays and save lives.
Doubra mentioned that the program targets reaching 1.7 million pregnant women in rural areas across 15 states by the end of 2025. The initiative also aims to generate demand, encourage behavioral changes, and strengthen governance to improve healthcare outcomes.
The federal government has assured its support for the program, which is expected to enhance existing healthcare initiatives and reduce morbidity rates in Ebonyi and other participating states.
