FG Deploys Advanced Ambulances to Boost Emergency Healthcare Services

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched 79 locally-assembled advanced ambulances for deployment to federal tertiary hospitals across the country in a major effort to strengthen emergency healthcare services and improve patient survival rates.

The ambulances were commissioned in Lagos as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and are expected to operate under the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS).

Representing the President at the commissioning ceremony, the Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Professor Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo, described the initiative as a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing healthcare reforms.

According to him, the deployment reflects the administration’s commitment to building a more responsive emergency healthcare system capable of delivering timely medical interventions across the country.

Adeyemo noted that delayed access to emergency care remains one of the major contributors to avoidable deaths in Nigeria and said the new ambulances would significantly improve the transportation of patients from homes, schools, markets, highways and other locations to healthcare facilities.

“These ambulances will improve the movement of patients from homes, schools, markets, highways and other locations to hospitals where they can receive timely medical attention. This will significantly reduce avoidable deaths and complications arising from delayed access to care,” he said.

The LUTH Chief Medical Director explained that the vehicles are equipped as Advanced Life Support units, fitted with modern medical equipment and communication systems capable of transmitting patient information to hospitals ahead of arrival.

He said the technology would enable healthcare facilities to prepare in advance for emergency cases, thereby improving treatment outcomes.

Adeyemo further highlighted the local content dimension of the project, noting that the ambulances were fully assembled in Nigeria, including the installation of their emergency medical systems.

He described the development as evidence of Nigeria’s growing capacity in manufacturing, engineering and healthcare technology.

Beyond healthcare delivery, he said the initiative would stimulate local industry, create employment opportunities and boost confidence in indigenous production capabilities.

The ambulances also feature dual-fuel technology, enabling them to operate on both Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), in line with the Federal Government’s energy transition and sustainability agenda.

Adeyemo linked the intervention to broader health sector reforms being championed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, particularly efforts aimed at strengthening emergency response systems and expanding access to quality healthcare.

He urged state governments, local authorities and private organisations to take advantage of Nigeria’s expanding manufacturing capacity in addressing future emergency medical transportation needs.

The Federal Government expressed confidence that the nationwide deployment would strengthen referral networks, improve access to lifesaving healthcare and support ongoing efforts to reduce mortality and morbidity across the country.