The Ministry of Health Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the private sector and other stakeholders for the operationalistion of the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS).
It also launched the implementation manual of the initiative.
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The Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, said NEMSAS would help Nigerians access care during emergencies at no cost.
He said: “NEMSAS is the operational arm of the third disbursement gateway, designated in the National Health Act with 5 per cent of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund for emergency medical treatment and meant to provide urgent health service to citizens at the moment and place of great health distress.”
He noted that emergency medical service is delivered along three operational pathways: coverage of highways and roads; coverage of emergency within states and Federal Capital Territory; working in collaboration with respective authorities and involving domestic, workplace-related, assault and sports incidents.
He said it also involves the rural ambulance service, in collaboration with local governments, ward and primary healthcare centres, to meet rural community emergency needs around access to maternal and child health, especially at odd hours.”
Dr Saidu Ahmed Dumbulwa, National Programme Manager, said the MoU was signed with the FRSC, the National Health Insurance Scheme, the Association of Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, the Guild of Medical Directors and the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
The World Health Organisation, Nigeria Country Representative, Walter Mulombo, expressed hope that the signing of the MoU would form a solid foundation for a functional emergency system for effective service delivery at federal and state levels.
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