The Plateau State Government in collaboration with the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) on Tuesday, flagged-off a pilot scheme for the State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (PLASEMSAS).
It also, officially commissioned the State Drug and Medical Commodities Management Agency Pharma-Grade Ware house, in the state capital, Jos.
According to statement released by Nigeria’s Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, this is a significant step towards advancing health supply-chain system and delivering high-quality emergency medical services towards achieving Universal Health Care in Nigeria.
Coordinating Minister, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom mni, said the flag off is a milestone achieved in the collective efforts to transform healthcare delivery in the country.
“This initiative reflects the strong commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s administration and the vision outlined in the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, aimed at strengthening the healthcare system and enhancing population health indicators by addressing critical gaps in healthcare delivery through substantial investments in improving healthcare access and quality for the most vulnerable populations”, the statement quoted the Minister..
Narrating the support for the implementation of this initiative, the Minister, said the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare donated an ambulance equipped with Basic Life Support equipment to the State, with the intention of encouraging the provision of additional ambulances and resources to ensure comprehensive coverage of Emergency Medical Services in Plateau State.
“Under the Plateau State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, ambulances will be deployed to respond swiftly to various emergencies, including medical crises, trauma incidents, or accidents, providing transportation to accredited healthcare facilities.
“Healthcare providers offering services through this system will be duly compensated from the allocated funds under the 5% Basic Health Care Provision Fund designated for Emergency Medical Treatment.
“This integrated approach aims to deliver timely emergency responses, ensure high-quality pre-hospital care, reduce mortality rates, and fortify the overall healthcare system”, Prof. Pate added.
He enumerated that the role of the newly upgraded Central Medical Store in establishing an integrated and efficient health supply chain for the distribution of essential medicines and public health commodities is pivotal.
While revealing that Plateau State is the first to witness the commissioning of its upgraded warehouse, he acknowledged the contributions of the Global Fund, the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, the United Nations Children’s Fund, Land Designs Limited and other of key stakeholders in accomplishing the upgraded warehouse.
“The objective of this collaboration was to establish a government-led supply chain characterized by effectiveness, efficiency, financial self-sustainability, and the provision of quality healthcare services in alignment with the principles of Universal Health Coverage”.
“The State’s commitment to annual budgetary allocations for warehouse maintenance and capacity building for warehouse personnel, as well as, the mobilization and maintenance of ambulances and training of health personnel, will be essential for ensuring the long-term viability of the healthcare system.”
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang said his administration is dedicated to enhance quality healthcare and commended the Coordinating Minister for the visionary initiatives, highlighting the significance of the Pharma-Grade Warehouse and the Plateau State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System.
He said the project will be central in establishing a sustainable healthcare infrastructure to ensure the availability of essential medicines and vaccines across all 17 Local Government Areas.
“The state-of-the-art Pharma-Grade Warehouse, equipped with advanced technology and designed to global standards, features a cold room maintaining temperatures below -80°C, a modern forklift for efficient inventory management, pallets for streamlined supply movement, a mini-quality control laboratory, and a drug information center, the Governor said.
“This facility is poised to enhance the effective management and distribution of pharmaceutical supplies, addressing supply chain challenges and facilitating timely healthcare delivery throughout Plateau State”.
Governor Mutfwang, expressed enthusiasm for the warehouse’s potential to support local pharmaceutical production, commending the unveiling of five locally manufactured products and pledging full support for the agency’s collaboration with NAFDAC to ensure sustainability.
“As a beacon of hope and progress, the warehouse symbolizes the collective commitment to affordable healthcare and serves as a testament to the transformative impact achievable through unity, shared vision, and diligent effort in building a healthier future for all Plateau citizens”, he stated.
Additionally, the launch of the Plateau State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System signifies a crucial milestone in the journey towards accessible and high-quality healthcare for all residents. This initiative underscores the commitment to saving lives, reducing mortality rates, and providing essential support within the healthcare system.
PLASEMSAS aims to establish an integrated emergency medical service and ambulance system that delivers prompt, efficient, and accessible care free of charge within the initial 48 hours of an emergency, eliminating financial barriers in critical situations and ensuring timely care for all individuals.