The Yobe State Government on Saturday, 27th May 2023, launched the State Emergency Medical Ambulance Service (YEMABUS) in line with its health sector reforms of providing effective and efficient healthcare delivery across the State.
The State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, in his remark said that the launch underscores his administration’s commitment to citizen centered health sector reforms that promotes improved healthcare access, technical excellence, functionality and standardization especially in medical emergencies. He informed that the State Emergency Medical Ambulance Agency will support the provision of Emergency Medical Treatment (EMT) to all resident of the State. “The policy is intended to address the missing link in the health sector as reiterated by the World Health Organization (WHO)”.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Health and all Development Partners for their continuous support and partnership towards actualizing the launch of this laudable emergency intervention. YEMABUS will kick start its operation with nine ambulances and two hundred and seventy customized keke ambulances for rural areas.
The National Programme Manager, National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) Dr. Saidu Dumbulwa, in his goodwill message expressed solidarity with the people of Yobe State and all stakeholders who brought to fruition YEMABUS. He disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Health, holds the mandate as the key driver of government health reforms and a resource for capacity building and sustenance. Through unlocking the private health sector potential while promoting a competitive private sector driven economy and enthronement of effective governance.
The NEMSAS programme he said, is designed to provide 24/7 emergency health services to anyone who needs it, anywhere in the State at no cost to the patient for the first 48 hours at the dial of 112 toll free number. According to him, “there are fleets of ambulances of different categories such as the Basic Life Support (BLS); Advance Life Support (ALS) and Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) Ambulances, which are staffed by skilled and trained medical personnel. The system is integrated with an effective communication network enabling seamless coordination and network between accredited healthcare facilities, including emergency responders and ambulance medical personnel. This is to ensure that patients receive prompt and best care from the point they are picked up by the ambulance to their arrival at the hospital”.
To this end, the FMOH is committed to collaborating with relevant government ministries, agencies as well as sub-national stakeholders in achieving Universal Health Coverage that brings comprehensive, quality and affordable healthcare within the reach to all citizens.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, Dr. Muhammad Gana, revealed the launch of YEMABUS was conceived in accordance with National Policy on Emergency Medical Services in collaboration with MDAs, NEMSAS and other Stakeholders. Aimed at providing prompt and coordinated emergency medical services to citizens to minimize delays in access to emergency healthcare to reduce morbidity, mortality and save lives.
He called on the Federal Ministry of Health, NEMSAS and Development Partners to support the agency with additional ambulances to expand coverage owing to the large land mass of the State. Support the agency with modern emergency response equipments, consumables and other supplies for effective and coordinated purposes. As well as support, in the area of development and continuous capacity building training of staff of the agency in accordance with world’s best practices.
Also present at the event were the Deputy Governor of the State, Hon. Idi Gubana, Members of the State Executive Council, Members of the State House of Assembly, Chief Executives of Boards and Parastatals, Heads of Security and Paramilitary Agencies, the Executive Secretary YEMABUS, Dr. Abdullahi Danchua, NEMSAS team among others.
By: Blessing Efem
Signed: Ahmadu Chindaya (Deputy Director Media & Public Relations)
