By Blessing Bature
The National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee (NEMTC) convened a stakeholder meeting to address challenges in emergency response services, particularly for maternal and child health.
NEMTC’s Chairman, Dr Ismail Jibrin emphasized, “enhancing emergency response services requires collective effort. We must work together to save lives and improve health outcomes, saying with collaborative efforts, NEMTC aims to transform emergency response services and ensure better health outcomes for Nigerians.
Jibrin disclosed this yesterday at the NEMTC retreat in Abuja that NEMTC is taking bold steps to revolutionize emergency medical care in Nigeria, with a special focus on vulnerable populations. The ultimate goal is to significantly reduce mortality rates by providing timely and accessible medical care.
He said to achieve this, NEMTC is addressing challenges in rural emergency response services, ensuring that emergency care reaches those who need it most. This includes improving response times, enhancing community awareness and education, expanding rural access, and strengthening partnerships with NGOs and international organizations.
He hinted that by implementing these strategies, NEMTC aims to transform emergency medical care in Nigeria, particularly for vulnerable populations. This effort is crucial, as timely emergency care can significantly reduce mortality rates and improve health outcomes.
Prof Seiyefa Brisibe, the Co-Chair of National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee said, the National Health Act of 2014 has made financial provisions to fund emergency medical services in Nigeria, demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving emergency care. With NEMTC’s efforts and government support, Nigeria is poised to make significant strides in emergency medical care.
National programme manager, National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, NEMSAS, Dr Saidu Ahmed stated that the National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee, NEMTC, has made significant strides in improving emergency response services in Nigeria, particularly for maternal and child health.
He noted that a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, was signed to harness the potential of the World Bank project and government funds to reduce mortality rates in Nigeria.
He hinted that the NEMTC aims to address challenges in communication, personnel, equipment, and vehicles. Partnerships with organizations like the World Health Organization and World Bank are crucial in resourcing these activities.
Highlighting the notable Achievements NEMTC has made, he said almost 1000 lives have been saved in Yobe state with only 1.5% mortality recorded.
Responding to the question of funding, he said funding is not an issue, but rather demand creation and state government commitment is necessary to roll out services in order to ensure more lives are saved, the need for additional funding will arise, and demonstrating transparency and accountability will be crucial in securing government support.