The Ondo State Government has unveiled new ambulances and flagged off the State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (SEMSAS) to enhance the efficiency of its healthcare delivery system and strengthen pre-hospital care.
Speaking at the ceremony in Akure yesterday, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, stated that the initiative is part of his administration’s desire to change the narrative of healthcare in the state, in line with the “OUR EASE” development agenda.
The governor emphasised that the new system is designed to tackle daily occurrences of medical emergencies, such as road traffic accidents, obstetric complications, and other life-threatening situations, where the lack of timely help often leads to the loss of valuable lives.
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A key benefit of the new scheme is that the government will cover the cost of transportation to health facilities and treatment for any medical emergency for the first 48 hours.
This is being facilitated under the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) of the Federal Ministry of Health.
As part of the commitment to prompt rescue, the governor disclosed that the State Emergency Call Centre has been reactivated with the installation of multi-million naira gadgets.
This facility serves as a functional 24/7 call and dispatch centre where calls will be received for the prompt dispatch of ambulances.
Over 100 frontline emergency responders have already been trained to handle medical emergencies, with continuous training planned to expose personnel to modern techniques.
Director General of NEMSAS, Fatima Ciroma, noted that the system will help reduce the burden on hospitals by ensuring patients receive initial care before arrival.
The scheme is equipped with a fleet of different categories of ambulances and skilled medical personnel, including: basic life support ambulances, advanced life support ambulances and tricycle (Keke) ambulances.
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The system also includes an effective communication technique for seamless coordination between health facilities, emergency responders, and ambulance medical personnel.
The Ondo State Commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Samuel Ibitoye, commended the initiative, calling it a key component of road safety management and applauding the Governor for bringing back the glory of the Ondo State Emergency Medical Services Agency (ODEMSA).
