…Expands Ambulance Coverage Statewide
BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU/AMAYINDI YAKUBU
REAFFIRMING its commitment to providing free, life-saving care for all Deltans, the Delta State Government has taken a decisive step under its MORE Agenda by inaugurating the State Emergency Medical Treatment Committee (SEMTC).
The multi-sectoral body is tasked with expanding ambulance coverage, accrediting emergency centres, and scaling up the Delta Emergency Ambulance Service (DELSEAS) from five pilot hospitals to at least 25 facilities across the state.
The inauguration, held at the State Secretariat complex in Asaba, brought together senior health officials, emergency agencies, and other key stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, explained that the committee, established in line with the National Health Act (2014) and Federal Ministry of Health guidelines, would ensure a swift, reliable, and well-coordinated response system aimed at reducing preventable deaths.
He urged members to diligently execute their terms of reference, expressing confidence in the positive impact the committee would have on the state’s health system.
Director of Medical Services and Training, Dr Chris Iwegbu, described SEMTC as “the engine room that drives timely, coordinated, and life-saving emergency response across Delta State” and expressed appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and partners for their support.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Philomena Okeowo, hailed the launch as “a bold declaration of our collective resolve to protect and preserve lives,” praising the governor’s sustained commitment to healthcare.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the committee, consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dr Valentine Eziashi, noted that the SEMTC’s mandate extends beyond ambulance logistics to tackling maternal and newborn mortality.
He emphasised that the goal was not only to reduce deaths from emergencies but, more critically, to lower maternal and prenatal mortality rates. On funding and patient support, Dr Eziashi explained that the programme would leverage national logistics funds to cover the first 24 to 48 hours of emergency treatment, ensuring victims are not billed during the crucial early period of care.
In her remarks, the Committee Secretary and DELSEAS State Coordinator, Dr Gloria Mok, highlighted the importance of sustainability and continuity across administrations, noting that both the previous and current governments have maintained strong support for the project.
She reiterated the state’s commitment to keeping DELSEAS operational and scalable.
The SEMTC will coordinate emergency medical services, accredit treatment centres in partnership with the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), produce quarterly performance reports for oversight bodies, and ensure the provision of timely, quality care. The committee will meet monthly to monitor progress.
As part of its expansion, DELSEAS will grow from its five pilot hospitals, Warri, Sapele, Agbor, Ughelli, and the Asaba Specialist Hospital, to at least 25 secondary health facilities under the Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care (CEmONC) framework.
This will strengthen both Basic and Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care platforms while widening ambulance coverage across the state.
Dr Eziashi will lead a diverse team that includes representatives from the State Emergency Management Agency, Nigeria Police Force, Federal Fire Service, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, State Blood Transfusion Service, and the state’s media and transport directorates.
Dr Mok will serve as secretary, supported by a three-person secretariat.
She added that, with a clear mandate and expanded reach, the SEMTC is poised to play a pivotal role in building a responsive emergency medical and ambulance system that will bring timely help to more Deltans when it matters most.
