Rivers State has been selected by the Federal Government to launch a pilot programme to reduce maternal, under-five, and newborn mortality rates.
The initiative, spearheaded by the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), will utilize the Basic Health Care Provision Fund to implement Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transport.
According to Dr. Emuren Doubra, Head of Operations at NEMSAS, under the Federal Ministry of Health, this programme is a priority for Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate.
Professor Pate has emphasized the importance of addressing the health needs of pregnant women, young children, and newborns.
Doubra revealed that emergency medical services have been identified as a crucial missing link in Nigeria’s healthcare system, resulting in delays in transporting emergency cases to appropriate facilities for treatment. This pilot program seeks to bridge that gap.
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He said its key objectives are to reduce maternal mortality, improve access to emergency medical services for pregnant women, improve newborn care, enhance transportation services for newborns requiring urgent medical attention, and enhance under-five healthcare.
On her path, the commissioner for health in Rivers State, Dr Oreh, who was represented by the Director, Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System in Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr Ojum Sylvanus stated they have been working in the 23 local government areas of the state to ensure that pregnant women and newborns are moved to the hospital free of charge through the REMSAS.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of ALGON, who is also the Mayor of Port Harcourt, Ezebunwo Echemati said coming up with such an initiative is something that will be beneficial to everyone adding that through quick access to medical services, lots of deaths have been reduced.
Ichemati stated that they are happy to have the program implemented in the State and that they will partner with the Federal Government, NEMSAS to ensure the success of the program in the state.
