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

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

Dr Emuren said the initiative is aimed at providing emergency medical services to Nigerians—especially the poor and vulnerable—adding that citizens can now access pre-hospital care and ambulance transport 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 stressed 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 said.

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 emphasised 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 said the initiative would address healthcare challenges faced by residents, particularly in emergency services, and provide them with quality emergency medical care.