By Mubarak Aliyu kobi
National Emergency Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) has launched the Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) programme in Bauchi state.
The Scheme supported by the World Bank is aimed at bridging the Gap existing between Rural and Urban Access to Quality, Accessible and Prompt Healthcare Services.
At a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Bauchi, Nasir Nuhu Yakubu, Head of Claims Management at NEMSAS, highlighted the pressing need for sustainable rural emergency services and maternal transport systems.
He emphasized that Rural areas face disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and difficulties in accessing timely emergency medical interventions.
Also Speaking, The State Commissioner of Health, Dr Sani Mohammed Dambam, Who was Represented by Director Medical Services at the Ministry, Dr. Sulaiman Auwal commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving NEMSAS, citing it as a crucial intervention for rural populations.
Dr. Auwal who is the State Coordinator, State Emergency Medical Services, Explained that The RESMAT programme aims to drive demand for and improve access to timely, effective, and efficient rural emergency services and maternal transportation for 1.7 million pregnant rural dwellers in 15 selected states by December 2025.
in his Presentation on the Impact of NEMSAS and REMSAT, The Scheme Consultant, Dr. Lawal Amadu hinted that the two Programs will strengthen its governance for effective programme delivery, enhance the capacity of frontline rural health workers and programme managers, and ensure the availability of appropriate rural emergency transport.
According to him, With NEMSAS and RESMAT, Nigeria is poised to make significant strides in healthcare, addressing disparities in rural areas and moving closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage.
NEMSAS aims to provide 24/7 medical emergency services to citizens, free of charge for the first 48 hours, through a fleet of ambulances, including Advance Life Support (ALS), Basic Life Support (BLS), and Tricycle (Keke) Ambulances.
The programme will be domesticated at the state level, with State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (SEMSAS) headed by a chairman.