To reduce the number of deaths caused by the delay in access to healthcare services, the federal government has announced plans to introduce the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System.
This will provide prompt and efficient emergency medical services to the people, the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, said at the dissemination of the Nigeria Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child Adolescent and Elderly Health Plus Nutrition (RMNCAEH+N), 2021 Annual Operation Plan in Abuja on Tuesday.
Currently in Nigeria, ambulance services are executed by individual hospitals (public and private) as well as organisations and agencies.
According to Mr Ehanire, elimination of delays in access to healthcare can indeed reduce the high mortality rates recorded in the country.
“It is estimated that an efficient emergency medical treatment service can reduce mortality by nearly 50 per cent by reducing delays in physical and financial access especially at night,” he said.
He explained that the services will involve “prompt response to medical distress calls of all types with first responders, transfer to facilities, (and) assured first aid at the point of care at no immediate user cost.”
Mr Ehanire noted that the lack of functional and affordable health centres has been identified as an impediment to the attainment of the desired health and wellbeing of Nigerians.
He said the availability of these essential services is needed to combat harmful traditional practices and strengthen the decision-making power to seek appropriate health care.
Focus on women, children
The minister said low awareness on hygiene and poor choices in nutrition contributes to the poor diet of growing children in some communities.
I support the government's policy. The epidemic has taught us the importance of health care. In the future, we need to pay more attention to medical treatment and continue to improve medical measures.