Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani on Thursday
officially launched the Kaduna State Emergency Medical and Ambulance System
(KADSEMSAS), describing it as a transformative step to guarantee timely
medical intervention for every resident of the state.
“Today marks a transformative moment in the history of
Kaduna State,” the governor said at the flag-off. “Our vision is simple but
profound: no citizen of Kaduna State should be denied timely medical
intervention because of distance, delay, or lack of access.”
How the system works
The new scheme will operate across all 23 Local
Government Areas, with a fleet of ambulances fitted with life-saving
equipment, a central dispatch center, and trained paramedics to stabilize
patients en route to hospitals. Citizens will be able to call a dedicated
emergency line, triggering the deployment of the nearest ambulance.
The governor noted that the initiative would be
particularly critical in emergencies such as maternal complications, road
accidents, and cardiac cases, where “minutes can mean the difference
between life and death.”
Healthcare reforms
Governor Sani said the system reflects his
administration’s “people-first philosophy”, anchored on the principle of
Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“We have consistently declared that access to
healthcare is a right, not a privilege. We have strengthened KADCHMA,
revitalized our primary health centres, prioritized maternal and child health,
and recently approved the 2024 CONMESS and CONHESS salary structures to
motivate our healthcare workers,” he said.
He stressed that the system was designed to be
inclusive: “This initiative is not for the privileged few. It is for the
farmer in Ikara, the trader in Kachia, the student in Giwa, and the child in
Kagarko. No one will be left behind.”
Free treatment and rural reach
Kaduna’s Commissioner for Health, Umma K. Ahmed,
described the flag-off as “a giant leap forward” for healthcare delivery
in the state. She noted that integrating the Rural Emergency Medical and
Maternal Transport Services (RESMAT) into KADSEMSAS would extend access to
hard-to-reach areas.
She added that the program guarantees free
emergency treatment for the first 48 hours, especially for pregnant women,
children, and accident victims.
Sustainability and national benchmark
Governor Sani emphasized that the government was also
investing in upgrading health facilities, training health workers, and engaging
communities to ensure sustainability.
“To our citizens: this system belongs to you. We urge
you to use it responsibly, report misuse, and provide feedback. Excellence is a
continuous journey, not a destination,” he said.
The launch follows Kaduna’s onboarding into the National
Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), approved in 2024
by the Federal Ministry of Health. Officials believe the initiative could serve
as a model for other states.
“This is a bold step toward equity in healthcare
access,” Sani concluded. “Kaduna is committed to leading the way in emergency
medical innovation, and we will continue to prioritize the health and safety of
our people.”
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