Editor
By Fatima Saka
In the efforts to enhance rural emergency medical services and ambulance systems for maternal transportation and other services nationwide, the National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee (NEMTC) has revealed that the inadequate road network and water-locked states pose significant challenges to the implementation of the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System in Nigeria.
The committee further disclosed that the new gateway for most states has not yet been operationalized, leading to some skepticism in certain regions due to the prevailing challenges.
Professor Seyeifa Brisibe, Co-Chairman of NEMTC, disclosed this to journalists during a two-day retreat that commenced on Thursday in Abuja.
The Co-chair emphasized that these challenges are exacerbated in the southern regions, where unique obstacles such as water-locked communities, like the state he came from, comprising approximately 80% water-locked areas, necessitate alternative transportation methods, including boat transportation.
“These diverse challenges, encompassing inadequate road networks in the northern regions, are crucial considerations. It is imperative that we address these challenges comprehensively, which is the primary objective of this retreat to confront and overcome these obstacles, thereby establishing a robust and resilient national emergency medical treatment system through the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) to safeguard every life,” he stated.
Regarding interventions, Professor Brisibe reiterated the significance of strengthening the referral systems, highlighting the benefits it would bring to the nation.
He underscored instances where pregnant women, due to the absence of a structured transportation system, are compelled to seek help from untrained individuals, leading to severe complications. “Strengthening and enhancing the referral system in our country is pivotal in preventing such dire situations.
“The presence of the Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors of Nigeria at this retreat aims to explore leveraging the capabilities of teaching hospitals for emergency referrals.”
Outlining the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Dr. Ismaila Jibrin, Chairman of the Committee, emphasized the importance of signing the MoU to ensure the rollout of rural emergency medical services, ambulance services, and maternal transportation in all states, either as pilot projects or at full scale.
He stressed that addressing strategic emergency issues is paramount for Nigeria to improve its current distressing statistics. “To this end, will set up a meet with representatives from the World Bank to discuss the implementation plan for the ResSmart program in Nigeria.”
Dr. Saidu Ahmed Dumbulwa, the National Programme Manager of NEMSAS, outlined the strategy to expand these services to all 36 states. “The process involves states demonstrating their commitment to implementing these services.”
He added that this will followed by assessments to ensure they meet the required criteria. “Subsequently, they will be encouraged to initiate pilot schemes in selected local governments before expanding further.”
However, the objectives of the retreat encompass the ratification of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) gateway guidelines, the identification of key indicators for EMT gateway pillars, and the delineation of the scope of the EMT gateway. Additionally, the roles and responsibilities of EMT gateway structures – NEMTC, NEMSAS, SEMTC, and SEMSAS – will be clarified. Collaboration with partners under the National Emergency Medical Teams will also be explored, along with the ratification of approved Memoranda of Cooperation (MOC) under the NEMTC gateway.
.
