Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has launched the Kaduna State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (KADSEMSAS) to strengthen emergency healthcare delivery and ensure citizens have timely access to life-saving medical interventions.

Speaking at the inauguration yesterday, Sani described the initiative as a landmark step in his administration’s commitment to saving lives and ensuring that no one is denied access to emergency care. He noted that the project was not just about unveiling ambulances but about guaranteeing the right to rapid medical attention for every resident.

The new system includes a fleet of ambulances equipped with life-saving equipment, a central dispatch centre staffed with trained personnel, and emergency medical technicians and paramedics to stabilise patients while en route to hospitals. It will operate across all 23 local councils, covering both urban and rural areas.

Citizens will be able to call a dedicated emergency number, after which the nearest ambulance will be deployed, significantly cutting response times, particularly in maternal and neonatal emergencies where delays are often fatal.

Sani said the programme reflects his administration’s “people-first philosophy” and its commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Commissioner for Health, Umma Ahmed, described the launch as a major step forward for healthcare delivery in the state, stressing the importance of timely and quality responses during emergencies.

Under the scheme, patients will receive free emergency care for the first 48 hours, with a focus on pregnant women, children, and accident victims.

The governor added that the state is investing in upgrading health facilities, training personnel, and involving communities to ensure the sustainability of the system beyond the launch phase.

The initiative follows Kaduna’s onboarding into the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) in 2024, approved by the Federal Ministry of Health. Officials believe Kaduna’s model could serve as a benchmark for other states.