ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, has disclosed the State government’s intention to continue enhancing its ambulance services, emphasising this as crucial to reducing maternal deaths, particularly in rural communities.
Dr. Coker reiterated this commitment during a meeting with officials from the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) regarding the introduction of the Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transportation (RESMAT) Programme in Ogun State.
She noted that the State recently launched its Rural Maternal Health Transport Service in partnership with a private organisation, piloted in Odeda Local Government Area, adding that the feedback from the programme has been encouraging.
“We have already commenced our rural maternal emergency transport service in Ogun State with the pilot phase in Odeda Local Government, and we are seeing positive signs that our approach to addressing the ‘transport’ challenge for women in rural areas during maternal health emergencies is effective. Our next step is to align with the national vision regarding maternal emergency transport services in rural areas.”
“Today, we shared our journey thus far with officials from NEMSAS. From our robust conversation, we identified areas where we can extend this programme beyond the pilot communities to reach 30 more communities from all the other LGAs,” she said.
The Commissioner assured that any pregnant woman in remote communities need not worry about transportation in an emergency, as the tricycle ambulances would transport them to the nearest Primary Healthcare Center for appropriate care.
The Team Lead of NEMSAS Officials for RESMAT Programme, Ms. Tyra Fom, described the commencement of the rural emergency transport service in the State as trailblazing. She stated that the national programme would provide support to further expand the reach of the initiative.
She expressed optimism that with the support of the Federal Government, the Coordinating Minister for Health, NEMSAS, and the existing emergency and ambulance service structure in Ogun State, there is an assurance of significantly reducing maternal deaths in the State.
