Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reactivated the state’s long-dormant Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to guarantee the swift rescue and treatment of accident victims at no personal cost.
The EMS, which was established by a previous administration but had been inactive for years, has now been reorganised to deliver faster and more efficient emergency responses.
Speaking at the 2025 Annual Socio-Scientific Conference and Training of the Association of Medical Social Workers of Nigeria (AMSWON), held at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Aiyedatiwa said the revamped EMS would enhance medical intervention for accident victims.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Health Matters, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, the governor noted that renovation works were ongoing at EMS base stations in Bolorunduro (Ondo East), Igbara-Oke (Ifedore), and Ore (Odigbo).
“Accident victims in the state can now access emergency assistance by calling dedicated mobile numbers, after which ambulances will promptly convey them to the nearest general hospital for stabilisation and treatment.
“Significantly, the Ondo State Government will cover all medical expenses incurred within the first 48 hours of such emergencies,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa commended medical social workers for their role in bridging socio-economic barriers to healthcare access, adding that the state government was implementing broad health sector reforms to strengthen service delivery and restore public trust.
“The secondary health facilities in Ikare Akoko, Okitipupa, and Ore are currently undergoing special interventions to upgrade infrastructure and improve accessibility.
“In addition, over 100 healthcare facilities — including general hospitals and primary health centres – are being renovated, with new staff housing, solar-powered lighting, boreholes for improved hygiene, and perimeter fencing to enhance safety,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of UNIMED Teaching Hospital, Dr. Michael Gbala, emphasised the need for medical social workers to take on a more strategic role in promoting equity in healthcare delivery.
He said they must ensure that “access to quality care is not determined by geography, social status, or educational background.”
Dr. Gbala also encouraged a data-driven approach to service delivery, noting that maintaining data on financial waivers for indigent patients and tracking aid for patient support could provide “valuable resources for clinical and economic research, as well as guide donors and support organisations in future interventions.”
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Jane Adebusuyi of Lead City University, Ibadan, urged members of AMSWON to strengthen their advocacy for the vulnerable.
“AMSWON, we are the voice of the voiceless and the hopeless in clinical settings. Therefore, we must break the culture of silence and speak on behalf of needy patients,” she said.
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