….As State Government Restates commitment to Swift Medical Emergency Response
By Kehinde KOLAWOLE
The Lagos State Government has bolstered its emergency medical services with the addition of five cutting-edge Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) ambulances. These advanced vehicles, donated by the Global Fund, are set to significantly enhance the state’s ability to respond swiftly to medical emergencies, ensuring that critical care reaches those in need with greater efficiency.
According to a press statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, it states that the newly donated multi-million naira MICU ambulances, now part of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) fleet, are fully equipped with state-of-the-art medical and emergency gear. Each ambulance is stocked with essential tools such as a primary stretcher, trauma kit, patient monitor, and an automated external defibrillator. Additionally, they carry respiratory kits, dressing supplies, and a wheelchair—everything needed to stabilize and support patients on the way to receiving further medical care. These ambulances represent a significant upgrade in the city’s emergency response capabilities.
The Lagos State Government took delivery of a fleet of ambulances, a move set to bolster emergency medical services across the state. The handover was attended by key officials, including Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, who received the vehicles on behalf of the government. Joining her were Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, and Mrs. Wuraola Makinde, the Director of LASAMBUS. This strategic addition aims to enhance the state’s capacity to respond swiftly to medical emergencies, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving public healthcare.
Mr. Abiodun Omoloja, the Coordinator of the Global Fund Grant Management Unit, officially oversaw the handover ceremony. His leadership marked a significant moment in the event, ensuring a smooth and effective transition.
Following the receipt of a new ambulance, Dr. (Mrs.) Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, expressed her gratitude to Global Fund for their invaluable partnership with the state government. She praised the organization for its ongoing commitment to enhancing emergency services and sustaining healthcare delivery, emphasizing the significant impact of their support on the state’s healthcare system.
She highlighted the addition of five new ambulances to LASAMBUS, emphasizing their role in expanding the agency’s coverage and enhancing the State Government’s ongoing efforts to revamp and fortify trauma and emergency medical services. She explained that this initiative aims to elevate LASAMBUS to global standards, focusing on increasing staff, upgrading equipment, and establishing more ambulance bases and response points to significantly reduce emergency response times across the state.
“We are training more doctors and nurses and acquiring more equipment because we believe that emergency services represent the critical point between life and death. When accidents or emergencies occur, we need fully equipped, skilled professionals on site,” she said.
Dr. Ogunyemi reaffirmed the government’s dedication to swift emergency response, promising that the newly donated ambulances would be fully utilized to enhance service delivery. He emphasized that these resources will play a crucial role in ensuring timely and effective care for those in need, reflecting the government’s ongoing commitment to public health and safety.
Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, underscored the unwavering commitment of LASAMBUS to delivering rapid and expert emergency services. He emphasized that the agency stands ready to provide timely and professional care, assuring residents that they can count on LASAMBUS in their moments of need.
“We are committed to ensuring that we provide emergency services with a dedicated team of highly trained professionals. All of them are certified for ACLS, and these MICUs allow pre-hospital interventions, ensuring that patients receive excellent care while being transported,” he said.
Dr. Ogboye has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish ambulance bases in every Local Government Area across the State. This initiative aims to significantly enhance emergency medical response by strategically placing these facilities throughout the region. The Ministry of Health is actively collaborating with local government chairmen to identify and secure suitable locations for these bases, ensuring timely and efficient emergency care for all communities.
“The aim is to ensure that ambulance and emergency services are accessible within the shortest possible time”, he stated.
In Lagos, Mr. Abiodun Omoloja, the Head of the Global Fund’s Grant Management Unit, passionately underscored the organization’s unwavering dedication to eradicating HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria. He emphasized that beyond these critical health goals, the Global Fund is also committed to paving the way for a healthier, safer, and more equitable future for everyone.
In a significant boost to healthcare infrastructure, the Global Fund has announced the donation of five advanced MICU ambulances to Lagos State, further strengthening its health system. This latest contribution brings the total number of MICU ambulances provided by the Global Fund to 13, complementing the eight ambulances donated in 2022. Omoloja highlighted that these new additions will significantly enhance emergency medical response capabilities in Lagos, reflecting a continued commitment to improving public health services in the region.
Moreso, Omoloja highlighted that the Global Fund recognized the exceptional management of the eight ambulances previously donated to LASAMBUS. Impressed by the effective use and impact of these vehicles, the Global Fund decided to enhance LASAMBUS’ emergency response capabilities further by providing additional ambulances. This new support aims to build on the proven success and ensure even greater efficiency in handling emergencies.
“These donations align with Mr. Governor’s THEMES+ agenda, supporting the provision of high-quality prehospital and medical emergency services. The expanded LASAMBUS fleet will enhance operational coverage, contributing to significant improvements in the State’s health indices”, he said.
