The Federal Government has rolled out a new emergency call centre and ambulance response system in Cross River State to ensure faster and more efficient medical intervention during crises such as flooding, road accidents, fires and other emergencies.
The initiative was launched on Tuesday at the General Hospital, Calabar, by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, who was represented by Dr. Doubra Emuren, Programme Manager of the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System.
Dr. Emuren explained that the project was created to expand access to emergency medical care—particularly for vulnerable citizens—by providing pre-hospital services and ambulance transport.
He said, “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, has to die as a result of lack of funding during emergencies.”
He added that the minister had directed that all states should be integrated into a functional emergency response network:
“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.”
According to him, the onboarding of the Cross River State Emergency Medical Treatment Committee marked the first phase in establishing a coordinated emergency response system in the state.
He also noted that the initiative aligns with the national health reform agenda:
“This is key to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Health… to ensure that whenever you request an ambulance using a number, the government will provide; anybody who needs emergency services will be picked up and taken to a hospital that is ready to serve the patient.”
Dr. David Ushie, Technical Adviser to the Governor on Universal Health Coverage, said the programme would strengthen access to life-saving healthcare and support the People’s First Agenda of Governor Bassey Otu.
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, 24-hour power supply and trained staff.”
He noted that five ambulances had already been deployed, with plans to integrate both public and private ambulance services for wider coverage.
Dr. Ushie emphasised that no resident would be denied care due to financial constraints or location.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, Chief Godwin Iyala, described the Emergency Medical Treatment Gateway as a major boost to healthcare delivery, saying it would significantly enhance emergency medical care for residents.
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