The federal government says it will begin the pilot phase of the emergency ambulance services on Friday in Abuja to facilitate access to first aid and healthcare in life-threatening situations.

Felix Ogedegbe, the chairman of the National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee (NEMTC), disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a bi-weekly ministerial media conference anchored by health minister Osagie Ehanire.

According to him, the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) committee was inaugurated four years ago and mandated to work on the rollout of an ambulance service for Nigeria.

He explained that the aim was to ensure Nigeria gets to the point of joining other countries with national emergency medical services.

Mr Ogedegbe also mentioned that with this system, Nigerians needing emergency medical care could call a three-digit number.

“It is therefore known that the way the Western countries or other countries have reduced these mortality figures and improved outcomes has been to make sure that there is a virile and active emergency medical service,” added Mr Ogedegbe. “The services will come to the aid of citizens whenever they need urgent emergency care.”

The NEMTC chairman also stated that “has been a goal that has been bought (into by) the minister of health has personally learned to make sure that NEMSAS takes off in the country and becomes one of those established health entities that naturally provide care in Nigeria.”

(NAN)