FG Launches Emergency Call Centre, Ambulance Service in Cross River

The Federal Government has launched an emergency call centre and ambulance system in Cross River State to provide prompt and efficient medical services for residents during flooding, fire outbreaks, road accidents, and other emergencies.

The flag-off ceremony took place on Tuesday at the General Hospital in Calabar, the state capital, with Dr. Doubra Emuren, Programmes Manager of the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System, representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate.

Dr. Emuren said the initiative is designed to ensure that all Nigerians especially the poor and vulnerable have access to pre-hospital care and emergency ambulance transport services across the state.

The programme forms part of the Emergency Medical Treatment Gateway, a key component of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund under the National Health Act, aimed at guaranteeing that no individual dies due to lack of funding during emergencies.

Dr. Emuren emphasised that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Health and the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, ensuring quality emergency healthcare delivery nationwide.

“This is a directive of the Coordinating Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, to ensure that all states have access to proper emergency medical services. Whenever you request an ambulance using the official number, the government will provide it and ensure the patient is taken to a hospital ready to serve them,” he said.

“The call centre is fully equipped with broadband internet, 24-hour power supply, and trained staff. We have also launched five ambulances, with plans to integrate private and public services, to ensure that no one is left behind during emergencies,” Dr. David Ushie, Technical Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on Universal Health Coverage, added.

Chief Godwin Iyala, Director-General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, described the launch as “exciting and a welcome development,” noting that it would address critical gaps in emergency healthcare and improve access to life-saving services for residents.