FG Launches Emergency Medical Services in Benue, As State Govt Rolls Out SEMSAS

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, rolled out the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) initiative in Benue State to improve rural healthcare delivery.

NEMSAS seek to assist vulnerable citizens brought through the ambulance system, rapid access to treatment at a specified amounts and period of time. 

The initiative also prioritizes timely per-hospital care and emergency transport, specifically targeting pregnant women and children in rural communities

The programme was launched during a 2-day stakeholders sensitization and on-boarding of Benue State on the NEMSAS platform and roll-out of State Emergency Medical Services Ambulance System, SEMSAS in Benue State held at the Ministry Health and Human conference hall, Makurdi,  Wednesday.

Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Health and  Human Services, Paul Ejeh Ogwuche lauded Governor Hyacinth Alia for providing the enabling environment for the state to key into the program. 

Ogwuche stated that the project is in line with Governor Alia’s vision to improve the health care accessibility of Benue people.

According to him, the program is a major step to ensuring safety of lives of the people especially in emergency situations particularly for those in the rural areas.

Ogwuche pledged that the program would be extended to local communities to ensure rapid response in emergency circumstances. 

He assured that his ministry would work assiduously for the success of the program. 

Giving an overview of NEMSAS,  representative of the federal ministry of health and social welfare, Timothy Cosmos commended the Benue State Government for embracing the program which has so far achieved 99 percent activation. 

Cosmos disclosed that Imo State remains the only State yet to key into the NEMSAS project l.

He added that the project is aimed at ensuring rapid response to saving lives of vulnerable Nigerians. 

“NEMSAS pays for 48 hours treatment for all patients identified as vulnerable who are brought to the health facility through the ambulance system. 

“The program covers areas such as fire related incidents, gunshot, communal clashes and building collapse. I urge the Benue State Government to invest and encourage private ambulance operators in this scheme”, he said.

On their part, the Executive Secretary, Primary Healthcare Board, Samuel Mbasoruum and the World Health Organization representative in Benue State,  Abdulkarim Mohammed pledged their commitment towards ensuring the success of the program in the state. 

In his remark, the Director of Medical Services and Training, State Ministry of Health and Human Services,

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Solomon Wombo challenged all stakeholders to take ownership of the program and play their respective roles towards making SEMSAS a functional and sustainable reality in the State.