Co-Chair of the National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee (NEMTC) Prof Seiyefa Brisibe, has stressed the need to build a strong and resilient national emergency medical treatment system to ensure that lives are saved.
Speaking at the stakeholders’ retreat, organized by NEMTC, in Abuja, Brisibe decried the low utilization of emergency medical services and emphasised the need for increased advocacy and awareness adding that many Nigerians do not consider calling an ambulance during emergencies.
Brisibe noted that the National Health Act of 2014 has made financial provisions to fund emergency medical services in Nigeria, demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving emergency care.
He added that with NEMTC’s efforts and government support, Nigeria is poised to make significant strides in emergency medical care.
Also speaking, Chairman of NEMTC, Dr. Ismail Musa Jibrin, urged Nigerians to participate in emergency medical care, emphasizing the need for public awareness and education on basic life-saving skills.
He highlighted the importance of community involvement in emergency medical services, noting that it could lead to improved response times.
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Jibrin noted that the committee operating in 16 states aims to expand its reach and stressed the need to address key challenges related to communication, personnel, equipment, and vehicles to enhance emergency response efforts.
In his remarks, the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, (NEMSAS), Dr Saidu Ahmed, encouraged Nigerians to participate in the pilot scheme in selected local governments.
He noted the importance of a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at maximizing the potential of the World Bank’s IMPA project to enhance emergency services.
He said: “The effort of the government is in a bid to actually reduce hyperpigmentation of activities in the country within the development partners funds and also the government funds.
“So there was actually an effort to bring everybody together. The MOU ensures that all states can launch rural emergency medical services and ambulance systems effectively.”
