The Federal Government has inaugurated an emergency call centre and ambulance network to deliver rapid and effective emergency medical assistance to residents, especially during incidents such as floods, fire outbreaks, road crashes and other urgent situations in Cross River.

Professor Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, was represented by Dr. Doubra Emuren, Programmes Manager of the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System, at the launch event on Tuesday at the General Hospital in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

Dr. Emuren explained that the project is designed to offer emergency medical care to Nigerians—particularly the poor and vulnerable—stating that citizens can now obtain pre-hospital treatment and ambulance transportation services.

He said, “The Emergency Medical Treatment Gateway is one of the gateways within the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund under the National Health Act that ensures that no individual, poor or vulnerable, has to die as a result of lack of funding during emergencies.

“This is a directive of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, to ensure that all states across the country have access to proper emergency medical services.”

“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 Cross River State,” Emuren added.

He emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Health and the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, ensuring that Nigerians have access to quality emergency medical care.

“This is key to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Health, exemplified through the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, to ensure that whenever you request an ambulance using a number, the government will provide; anybody who needs emergency services will be picked up and taken to a hospital that is ready to serve the patient,” he stated.

The Technical Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on Universal Health Coverage, Dr David Ushie, said the initiative aims to provide unhindered access to life-saving healthcare delivery systems. He added that it aligns with the People’s First Agenda of Governor Bassey Otu.

He said, “A call centre has been established to address healthcare-related complaints and concerns, ensuring prompt responses and quality care. The centre is equipped with broadband internet, 24-hour power supply and trained staff.

“The state has introduced an emergency ambulance service, with five ambulances initially, and plans to integrate private and public ambulance services. The initiative is part of the Governor’s ‘people-first’ mantra and aims to ensure that no one is left behind in emergency situations.”

Dr Ushie highlighted that the Otu-led administration is committed to ensuring that all residents have access to quality emergency healthcare services and that no one will be left to die due to lack of medical attention.

He added that emergency services will be accessible to all, regardless of financial status or location.

In his remarks, Chief Godwin Iyala, Director-General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, expressed excitement about the launch of the Emergency Medical Treatment Gateway, describing it as “exciting and a welcome development.”

He also disclosed that the initiative would address healthcare challenges faced by residents, particularly in emergency services, and provide them with quality emergency medical care.