…our call center is open 24/ 7 with active lines – Ushie
The Federal Government has launched an emergency call centre and ambulance system to provide prompt and efficient emergency medical services to residents of Cross River State.
The new system is designed to respond to a wide range of emergencies, particularly cases of flooding, fire outbreaks, road accidents and other life threatening situations.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, was represented by the Programmes Manager of the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System NEMSAS, Dr Doubra Emuren, during the flag off ceremony on Tuesday at the General Hospital, Calabar.
Dr Emuren explained that the initiative aims to provide timely emergency medical services to Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable.
He added that through the programme, citizens can access pre hospital care and ambulance transport services when needed.
According to him, “The Emergency Medical Treatment Gateway is one of the gateways within the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund under the National Health Act that ensures that no individual, poor or vulnerable, dies due to lack of funding during emergencies.
“This is a directive of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, to ensure that all states across the country have access to proper emergency medical services.
“We are here to formally engage and onboard the Cross River State Emergency Medical Treatment Committee as the first step toward establishing emergency medical service management and operational structures for Cross River State.”
Emuren noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Health and the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative which seek to ensure that Nigerians have access to quality emergency medical care.
“This is key to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Health, exemplified through the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, to ensure that whenever an ambulance is requested using a designated number, government will provide it, and anyone needing emergency care will be taken to a hospital prepared to serve the patient,” he added.
The Technical Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on Universal Health Coverage, Dr David Ushie, stated that the initiative is designed to guarantee unhindered access to life saving healthcare services for the people. He noted that it aligns with Governor Bassey Otu’s People First agenda.
He said, “A call centre has been established to address healthcare related complaints and concerns, ensuring prompt responses and quality care. The centre is equipped with broadband internet, round the clock power supply and trained staff.
“The state has also introduced an emergency ambulance service with five ambulances deployed initially, and plans are underway to integrate private and public ambulance services.
The initiative is part of the Governor’s People First mantra and aims to ensure that no one is left behind in emergency situations,” Ushie said.
Dr Ushie emphasized that the Otu led administration is committed to ensuring that every resident has access to quality emergency healthcare services. He stressed that no one should die due to lack of medical attention, assuring that emergency services will be available to all regardless of financial status or location.
In his remarks, Chief Godwin Iyala, Director General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, expressed excitement about the launch of the Emergency Medical Treatment Gateway, describing it as a welcome development.
He said the initiative would help address the healthcare challenges faced by residents, particularly in emergency situations, by providing timely and quality medical services.
