The federal government has started the distribution of advanced life support ambulances and tricycle ambulances nationwide to strengthen emergency medical response and improve access to timely healthcare, especially in rural and underserved communities.

The permanent secretary, federal ministry of health and social welfare, Daju Kachollom, disclosed this on Monday at the flag-off ceremony at the National Trauma Centre, Riyom, Plateau State.

Ms Kachollom said the intervention would improve emergency transportation and address last-mile challenges in hard-to-reach communities, where delays could determine whether lives were saved.

“The intervention is anchored on the principle that distance should not determine whether a life is saved,particularly during maternal and newborn emergencies, childhood illnesses, road crashes and other trauma cases,” she stated.

Commending the state government for its partnership and commitment to healthcare delivery, Ms Kachollom explained that the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) provides the framework for coordinated emergency services nationwide.

According to her, existing interventions in the state include the State Ambulance System, JUTH’s emergency-care pathway, and the Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) initiative, strengthened by the SAVEMAMA Digital RESMAT platform.

“Minutes matter in emergency care. The difference between timely transportation and delay can quite literally be the difference between life and death,” she added.

The permanent secretary said the initiative reflected President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, urging Plateau and other beneficiaries to take ownership of the assets and deploy them to areas of greatest need.

“The Federal Government has made its contribution, and we expect the State Government to complement this investment through appropriate budgetary commitments and contributory funding to strengthen and sustain emergency medical services across Plateau State,” she said. 

In his remarks, Governor Caleb Mutwang, represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, commended Mr Tinubu for the intervention, describing the ambulances as a strategic investment in emergency healthcare.

“The vehicles would improve timely transportation of patients, facilitate referrals between healthcare facilities and strengthen the emergency response chain, particularly when every second matters.” the governor stated.