Editor
By Fatima Saka
In a bid to enhance maternal health and reduce childbirth-related mortality, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Delta State Government, has launched the Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) initiative.
This program aims to support pregnant women and children in rural areas with better access to emergency medical services.
The initiative is driven by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS).
During a recent courtesy visit to Dr. Kingsley Emu, Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr. Emuren Doubra, Head of Operations at NEMSAS, and his team provided insights into the program.
Dr. Emu lauded the Federal Government’s commitment to creating sustainable emergency medical services, particularly for rural populations, and noted the potential positive impact on the people of Delta State.
He expressed gratitude for the initiative and assured that the state would support NEMSAS by engaging relevant stakeholders.
Earlier, the NEMSAS team visited the Delta State Ministry of Health, where they met with the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme. They discussed strategies tailored to the state’s unique topography, socio-cultural context, and organizational structure.
According to the commissioner, Delta State’s existing emergency medical service (EMS) infrastructure is being aligned with NEMSAS standards, featuring a robust communication system and qualified personnel capable of operating the service effectively.
Dr. Philomena Okeowo, Permanent Secretary at the Delta State Ministry of Health, also contributed to discussions on collaboration and efforts to expedite the rollout of RESMAT in the state.
In accordance, NEMSAS was established to coordinate emergency medical services across Nigeria, creating governance and operational structures nationwide.
However, access to EMS remains limited, particularly for rural populations who face barriers to timely and quality emergency care. This gap is especially evident in maternal and child health services, where delays can lead to high maternal and infant mortality rates.
This initiative supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), by addressing disparities in healthcare access. The RESMAT program aims to bridge these gaps through partnerships at the state and local levels, focusing on sustainable rural emergency services and maternal transport solutions.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) program led by Coordinating Minister of Health Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, is pushing for universal health coverage. As part of this broader goal, NEMSAS’s RESMAT initiative will address delays experienced by pregnant women in emergency situations.
The plans include the deployment of tricycle and boat ambulances, supported by modern technology, to ensure timely and efficient emergency medical services for vulnerable rural communities.
