The inauguration of the Rivers State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (REMSAS) in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State last week, a delegation from the Program Implementation Unit (PIU) of the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) has arrived in Port-Harcourt to incorporate the State Emergency Medical Service into the Emergency Medical Treatment (EMT) Gateway.
This process also involves aligning REMSAS with the standards, norms, and systems of the EMT gateway as outlined in the NEMSAS Implementation guidelines.
According to a press release signed by
Patricia Deworitshe, Director Information and Public Relations On Thursday in Abuja.
Addressing the team’s visit to the Rivers State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (REMSAS) Office, Dr. Emuren Pere, the Head of Operations at NEMSAS, expressed that their presence in the State is to provide guidance to the REMSAS team on the operational procedures required for the successful implementation of this innovative initiative.
He commended the launch of REMSAS as a demonstration of political commitment and a commendable achievement.
Dr. Pere emphasized the significance of Rivers State gaining access to the Emergency Medical Treatment (EMT) gateway and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) catalytic fund. He assured that NEMSAS is present to offer support and assistance in establishing standards for emergency medical services for the EMT gateway, while respecting the State’s role as the primary provider of emergency medical services.
Dr. Pere revealed that during the 7th Ministerial Oversight Committee meeting of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) held recently in Abuja, decisions were made regarding the NEMSAS program, particularly the EMT gateway’s focus on prioritizing rural emergency services.
“This focus aims to address obstetric and neonatal emergencies, as well as ensure the safe transportation of pregnant women from their residences to Basic or Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and New-Born Care facilities for safe deliveries. Rivers State is set to lead the way in operationalizing this new direction of NEMSAS, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s Sector-Wide Approach Programme (SWAp) – Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.
The State Coordinator of REMSAS, Dr. Ojum Sylvanus, said that the NEMSAS PIU on a tour of their facilities and subsequently visited the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Military Hospital Port Harcourt, renowned for their excellence in emergency medical treatments.
“Collaborative partnerships were sought with these hospitals to ensure the provision of high-quality, affordable, effective, and efficient pre-hospital and in-hospital stabilization of medical emergency services for Rural Emergency Medical Services and Maternal Transport.
“NEMSAS engaged with the Armed Forces Blood Centre in Port-Harcourt to advocate for the availability of safe blood during emergency medical services.”
Prior to these visits, the team paid a courtesy visit to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, who reiterated the importance of Emergency Medical Service in delivering prompt, life-saving care and acting as a vital link between emergencies and medical care for the residents of the State. NEMSAS also held a brief meeting with members of the State Emergency Medical Treatment Committee (SEMTC).
