The Kaduna State Ministry of Health on Wednesday inaugurated a planning committee to establish the state Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee, the state Commissioner for Health, Umma Kalto-Ahmed, described the initiative as crucial in emergency services.

She stated that immediate care began at the site of an injury or health crisis.

Ms Kalto-Ahmed, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Aisha Abubakar -Sadiq, stressed the importance of proper oxygen positioning and efficient ambulance services to prevent patient fatalities.

The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of its citizens.

Ms Kalto-Ahmed urged committee members to collaborate effectively for the betterment of the residents of Kaduna State.

The committee comprises representatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Nigerian Army. Others are Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, Civil Society Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Also, the National Programme Manager, National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, Dr Saidu Dumbulwa, said that the primary mission of the agency was to establish and operate emergency medical services, while concurrently coordinating ambulance services across the nation.

Mr Dumbulwa said that based on their assessments of the agency in Kaduna State, the equipment needed in terms of communication and connection of the ambulance and emergency call centre were in place.

(NAN)