By Charles Nwoke
The Ebonyi State Government has distributed 16 ambulances to all general hospitals and the state’s emergency response team. This is a major step to improve emergency healthcare delivery in the state.
Speaking at the official launch of the Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (EBSEMSAS) in Abakaliki, Commissioner for Health Dr Moses Ekuma described the project as a key milestone in the state’s health sector. He said the initiative aims to reduce maternal and under-five mortality, as well as deaths from road accidents and snake bites.
Dr. Ekuma noted that the ministry had resolved key challenges such as inadequate manpower, lack of basic medical equipment, and access to essential drugs. He added that civil servants have now been enrolled in the state health insurance scheme.
“Emergency care requires oxygen,” he stressed, adding that respiratory failure remains the leading cause of death in emergencies. To address this, the state has established oxygen plants in each of its three political zones for easy access.
Ekuma urged doctors to take full advantage of the system to deliver quality care to patients. He also stated that EBSEMSAS is now fully operational and ready to save lives.
Coordinator of EBSEMSAS, Eugene Abah Chinwendu Precious, said the program is designed to provide quick response to medical emergencies, particularly for pregnant women, children under five, road traffic victims, and snakebite patients.
“In any emergency, dial 112. An ambulance will be deployed to pick up the patient and transport them to an accredited hospital for treatment,” he explained.
According to him, patients will receive free treatment for the first 48 hours after arrival at the hospital.
To support the system, the state also distributed oxygen cylinders and pulse oximeters to general hospitals and Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
Representing the Officers in Charge of PHCs, Mrs Ngozi Azubuike praised the initiative and promised that healthcare workers would make full use of the equipment to reduce preventable deaths.
The highlight of the event was the official commissioning of the ambulances, signalling the full activation of the emergency medical service across the state.
