Anambra State government has called on residents to take advantage of the free emergency medical services available across the state.
The Commissioner for Health in Anambra State, Dr Afam Obidike made the call while speaking to journalists in Awka,
Dr Obidike said the state had recorded significant progress in emergency medical services and overall health system strengthening under the current administration of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo.
He said since the official commissioning of the Anambra State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (ASEMSAS) in May 2023, the state has experienced measurable improvements in emergency response, access to care, and patient outcomes.
“These achievements reflect the administration’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives and building a resilient, people-centred health system.
“In May 2023, ASEMSAS began operations with just ten ambulances across some local government areas. Today, the system has over sixty operational ambulances, across all twenty-one local government areas of Anambra State.
“ASEMSAS has facilitated over 150 emergency medical transports, covering obstetric and neonatal emergencies, trauma cases, acute medical conditions, and disaster-related incidents.
“ASEMSAS services are free of charge within the first forty-eight hours of emergency care. In specific circumstances, particularly where clinical need demands continuity of care, this free service window may be extended”. Obidike said.
The Commissioner expressed happiness with declarations of interest from 588 supplementary emergency transport units.
“Of these, 315 are tricycle ambulances dedicated to Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transportation (RESMAT), a targeted health initiative aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, particularly in hard-to-reach and underserved rural communities.
“We have also integrated seven boat ambulances to serve our riverine populations. This more than six-fold expansion of emergency transport has ensured that timely, life-saving care is no longer a privilege of a few but a service within reach of residents across urban centres, rural settlements, and riverine areas alike.
“State Government has deliberately integrated ASEMSAS with an extensive network of public, private, and faith-based health facilities across the state to strengthen referral pathways and ensure that patients are received promptly in facilities and attended to without delay.”
Obidike called on residents of Anambra state to take advantage of the initiative. “Help us to inform and educate our people on the availability of these services. This policy ensures that no resident is denied emergency medical attention because of financial constraints at the most critical moments of need.
“However, to ensure that there is no abuse of any form, only patients with situations certified as medical emergencies will be attended to under the scheme,” Obidike clarified.
“Residents are encouraged to access emergency services through the 112, 5111, and 08002200008 hotlines, as well as 09113634522, 09113634381, and 09113634173.
