The Federal Government has unveiled a new emergency call centre and ambulance system designed to provide swift and efficient medical response for Cross River residents during floods, fire outbreaks, road accidents, and other life-threatening situations.
The initiative, launched on Tuesday at the General Hospital, Calabar, aims to ensure that Nigerians particularly the poor and vulnerable can access immediate pre-hospital care and ambulance services without financial barriers.
Representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Programmes Manager of the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), Dr Doubra Emuren, said the emergency system is a critical step toward strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
According to him, the Emergency Medical Treatment Gateway remains a key component of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) under the National Health Act, guaranteeing that no citizen should lose their life due to lack of funds during emergencies.
“This is a directive of the Coordinating Minister, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, to ensure that all states across the country have access to proper emergency medical services,” Dr Emuren said. “We are here to formally engage and onboard the Cross River State Emergency Medical Treatment Committee as the first step in establishing emergency medical service management and operational structures for the state.”
He added that the effort aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Health and supports the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, both aimed at improving access to emergency care nationwide.
“This is key to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Health. The goal is simple: whenever you request an ambulance using a number, the government will respond. Anyone who needs emergency services will be picked up and taken to a hospital ready to provide care,” Emuren said.
Dr David Ushie, Technical Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on Universal Health Coverage, described the new emergency system as a major step toward providing unhindered access to life-saving healthcare. He said the initiative fits squarely within Governor Bassey Otu’s People’s First Agenda.
According to Ushie, the state has already set up a call centre equipped with broadband internet, uninterrupted power supply, and trained personnel to handle healthcare-related complaints and emergencies. He noted that five ambulances have been deployed initially, with plans underway to integrate both public and private ambulance services into the system.
“This initiative aims to ensure that no one is left behind in emergency situations,” Ushie said. “The Otu-led administration is committed to ensuring that all residents—regardless of financial status or location—have access to quality emergency healthcare services.”
In his remarks, Chief Godwin Iyala, Director-General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, described the launch as a welcome development that will significantly improve emergency medical care in the state.
He commended the Federal Government and the State Government for working together to address long-standing gaps in emergency response services, noting that residents can now expect faster, more coordinated, and more reliable medical support during crises.
The launch signals a new phase in the state’s healthcare delivery system—one built on accessibility, responsiveness, and a commitment to saving lives.
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