Lagos State Ministry of Health and the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) have collaborated under the Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transportation (RESMAT) programme to combat maternal mortality and improve access to emergency healthcare services in hard-to-reach and underserved areas in the state.
This World Bank-funded initiative aims to deliver critical emergency medical services to rural communities, bridging healthcare gaps that often put maternal and infant lives at risk.
NEMSAS Team Lead and Resource Person, Dr Prosper Ahworegba, who spoke during a high-profile advocacy and stakeholders’ engagement meeting, yesterday, noted that the REMSAT programme is dedicated to advancing emergency healthcare and maternal transportation in Lagos State.
Ahworegba, accompanied by the NEMSAS Claim Officer, Joke Dada, and External Consultant, Williams Geelong, said that the visit was aimed at providing insights into RESMAT’s objectives and fostering collaborative efforts to enhance rural emergency medical services.
He stressed the need to address disparities in maternal and child health to reduce high mortality rates, particularly in rural settings, adding that RESMAT is structured to establish a sustainable emergency medical transport framework for pregnant women and vulnerable groups in underserved communities.
The team lead explained that the advocacy visit underscored the urgent need for rural emergency medical services (EMS) as part of Nigeria’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and wellbeing.
Responding, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, commended NEMSAS for the initiative, highlighting its alignment with Lagos State’s efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.
Ogunyemi expressed optimism that the partnership with NEMSAS would help the state meet its ambitious healthcare goals.
She affirmed that expanding healthcare access remains a priority, supported by increased primary healthcare facilities and free antenatal and delivery services.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, highlighted the importance of resilient infrastructure, noting that several LASAMBUS stations were upgraded to permanent structures, saying that durable facilities are critical to maintaining uninterrupted emergency services.
Also, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Olusegun Ogboye, said that partnerships like RESMAT are crucial for sustainable healthcare access.
