By Julius Olaniyan
The National Programme Manager of the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), Dr. Emuren Doubra, says emergency medical service structures supported by the agency are now present in all states of the federation, with varying levels of operational capacity.
Speaking in Abuja, Dr. Doubra said 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory currently have State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Systems, while 21 are fully operational and others are nearing full implementation.
In the remaining three states, designated federal tertiary health institutions are serving as interim coordinating centres pending the establishment of state-run systems.
He acknowledged gaps in ambulance distribution and capacity, noting that available units are still insufficient to meet rising demand.
However, he stressed that all supported states have operational ambulances and access to emergency medical treatment funding under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
Dr. Doubra called on the Nigerian Communications Commission to strengthen the functionality and public awareness of the national emergency number, 112.
According to him, a recent nationwide survey revealed that although about 80 per cent of states have access to 112, many callers face connectivity challenges and awareness remains low across communities.
He also advocated the enactment of a Good Samaritan Law to protect individuals who assist accident victims and other emergency cases, citing reported challenges faced by helpers.
In addition, he highlighted the Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) initiative, which operates in 123 local government areas and has facilitated the transport of tens of thousands of pregnant women and newborns to health facilities.
The NEMSAS chief emphasised that strengthening inter-agency collaboration and improving public confidence in emergency systems remain critical to enhancing nationwide emergency response outcomes.
