ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT SETS TO COMMENCE EMERGENCY MEDICAL AMBULANCE SERVICES

 Government reiterates commitment in commencing Emergency Medical, Ambulance Services 

By Chukwudi Nwauba

Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike says the state government is fully committed to the commencement of the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) in the state.

"Anambra is one of the six selected states that will start the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System.

``This NEMSAS when commenced will help to reduce mortality rate as well as provide timely healthcare service delivery to the people.”

Dr. Obidike said this when the Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Health paid him a familiarization visit in his office at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka.

He explained that Anambra was listed among other five states because of the huge role Gov. Soludo played after assuming office.

``We want to use this National Emergency Medical Service to arrest health emergencies across the state.”

Dr. Obidike explained that the mission and objective of NEMSAS were to deliver effective, efficient and timely emergency services to the people using functional health facilities.

``Under this arrangement, if a beneficiary of the National Health Insurance Scheme is involved in an accident, a certified ambulance by the Ministry of Health with an emergency number and basic life support will rush to the scene and take the victim to hospital.

``The patient will be treated within 48 hours without charges and the National Health Insurance will cover his treatment.

``A person who is not under the scheme will get the same service and pay after he has regained his health.” 

The commissioner noted that any accident victim who do not have money to pay for his treatment would be treated under the Federal Government Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

Dr. Obidike reassured them that the vision of Gov. Soludo is for the state to attain universal health coverage.

He informed the committee that Anambra State is now adjudged by the Federal Government as one of the best where Primary Healthcare and insurance services are functional. 

``We are collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health, World Health Organisation and other partners to fight both communicable and non communicable diseases in the state. 

``The ministry is proposing the Anambra State Health Facility Monitoring and Insurance Agency Bill that will eliminate quackery in the health sector to ensure that patients get satisfactory service in hospitals at all times; the bill will be forwarded to Anambra State House of Assembly for passage.’’ 

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Carter Umeoduagu commended the innovation the Soludo’s administration is bringing to the health sector, expressing his satisfaction with the performance of the commissioner.

In his remarks, a member of the committee, Dr. Timothy Ifedioramma expressed optimism that the health sector will be upgraded for optimal service to Ndi Anambra.

 Another member of the committee, Mr. Nonso Smart-Okafor stressed the need for the government to equip all the hospitals in the state with the best healthcare facilities.

``I urge you as well to make quality healthcare delivery accessible and affordable for Ndi Anambra; keep up the good work especially your passion and commitment.

In attendance during the visit include, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs Caroline Njaka; Director of Account, Mr. Abel Okoli; Head of Planning Research and Statistics, Mrs Edith Nwachukwu; , Head of Administration, Mr. Anthony Obi and the Health Coordinator Dr. Uju Okoye.

Chukwudi Nwauba reports from the Ministry of Health, Awka.  (MOI)

 

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