Anambra State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System, ASEMSAS, has been launched by the state Ministry of Health in conjunction with National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, NEMSAS, and World Health Organization, to carter for emergency needs of Ndi Anambra.
The scheme was flagged off by the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire in Awka.
The Anambra state is first to activate the Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System in the country, an initiative of the federal government which aims at alleviating the sufferings of the citizenry during emergencies, where persons in need of emergency healthcare services in any part of Nigeria are to call a free toll number 112 for immediate response and help.
Launching the scheme, the Health Minister Ehanire represented by the National Programme Manager, National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, Dr Saidu Ahmed-Dumbulwa said that the initiative is launched to provide people, both rich and indigent with the opportunity to access global standard healthcare services at low or no cost and reduce cases of death rate being recorded in the country during emergencies as regards to health challenges and accidents.
He commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the health team for efforts made to ensure the actualization of the project in the state.
In a remark, the Governor of Anambra state, Professor Chukwuma Soludo represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu noted that the scheme is in line with his government’s target to achieve a world class health service for the state’s residents, noting that the government will serve Ndi Anambra better with the scheme.
The Governor while explaining that the scheme is government owned but private sector driven, called on well to do individuals and groups to invest in the scheme by purchasing more ambulances to support the one that is already available to run the services in the state, noting that when that is done, owners of the ambulances will be generating income for themselves as well as saving lives.
Speaking at event , the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike assured that the Ministry has concluded plans on how ensure that the state’s residents both in the urban and rural areas benefit from the scheme, and explained that the free toll number is on 24/7 to serve the people.
Contributing, the Managing Director Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, Dr Simeon Onyemaechi noted that people need to get themselves registered under the state health insurance scheme in order to benefit from the latest health services in the state at little or no cost.
The Representative of World Health Organization in Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi-Mulombo represented by Health Economist WHO Nigeria, Dr Francis Ukwuije lauded Professor Soludo on his efforts towards making sure that the state is in the forefront in health related issues, and promised that the WHO will keep supporting Anambra state especially as it concerns this scheme to ensure its sustenance and fruitfulness in the state.
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