Cross River’s new Emergency Medical Service offers rapid ambulance and pre-hospital care, ensuring all residents access urgent medical help

The Federal Government has officially launched an Emergency Medical Service in Cross River State, promising rapid and efficient response to crises such as flooding, fire outbreaks, and road accidents.

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Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held on Tuesday at Calabar General Hospital, Dr Doubra Emuren, Programmes Manager of the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System, highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring that vulnerable and low-income residents can access pre-hospital care and ambulance transport services.

“The Emergency Medical Treatment Gateway is part of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund under the National Health Act,” Dr Emuren explained. “It ensures that no individual, poor or vulnerable, will die due to lack of funding during emergencies.

This initiative is a directive from the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, to expand proper emergency medical services across all states.”

The launch aligns closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Health and the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

Dr Emuren stressed that citizens can now request an ambulance, confident that the government will provide prompt assistance and transport patients to hospitals equipped to offer urgent care.

Dr David Ushie, Technical Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on Universal Health Coverage, added that the initiative guarantees unhindered access to life-saving healthcare.

The state call centre is fully equipped with broadband internet, 24-hour power supply, and trained staff to respond swiftly to medical emergencies.

Initially, the service will operate five ambulances, with plans to integrate both private and public ambulance networks. “This system embodies Governor Bassey Otu’s ‘People First’ mantra, ensuring no one is left behind in emergencies,” Dr Ushie said.

Chief Godwin Iyala, Director-General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, described the launch as “exciting and a welcome development,” emphasising that residents can now rely on the service for quality and timely emergency medical care.

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The new Emergency Medical Service represents a crucial step in safeguarding the health of Cross River residents, promising faster responses and improved outcomes during critical situations.

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