By Chioma Obinna
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday rolled out 79 locally-assembled advanced ambulances for tertiary hospitals across Nigeria, in a bid to strengthen emergency healthcare delivery and reduce avoidable deaths nationwide.
The ambulances, commissioned in Lagos by the Chief Medical Director of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Professor Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo, on behalf of the President, are to be distributed to federal tertiary health institutions under the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS).
The intervention forms part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and is aimed at improving emergency response capacity across the country.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Adeyemo said the deployment reflects the Federal Government’s determination to build a more responsive and integrated emergency healthcare system under the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the ambulances would significantly improve the speed and quality of emergency medical response, particularly in critical cases where delayed access to care often leads to preventable deaths.
“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.”
Adeyemo described the ambulances as Advanced Life Support units equipped with modern medical and communication systems capable of alerting hospitals ahead of patients’ arrival for faster treatment preparation.
According to him, the vehicles were entirely assembled in Nigeria, including the installation of emergency medical equipment, demonstrating the country’s growing capacity in local manufacturing and healthcare technology.
“These ambulances are a testament to Nigeria’s ability to produce world-class emergency response vehicles locally. Beyond improving emergency healthcare delivery, this initiative will stimulate local manufacturing, create employment opportunities and strengthen confidence in indigenous capacity,” he stated.
He further disclosed that the ambulances operate on dual-fuel systems using both Premium Motor Spirit and Compressed Natural Gas, aligning with the administration’s broader energy diversification and sustainability policies.
Adeyemo noted that the project aligns with ongoing health sector reforms being championed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, particularly efforts aimed at strengthening emergency care systems and expanding access to quality healthcare.
He said improving emergency transportation was as critical as upgrading hospital infrastructure in reducing mortality rates nationwide.
“Healthcare facilities must be accessible when emergencies occur. Efficient emergency transportation is essential to saving lives,” he added.
The LUTH CMD also urged state governments, local councils and private institutions to leverage Nigeria’s growing local production capacity to address future emergency medical transportation needs.
The Federal Government said the nationwide distribution of the ambulances would strengthen referral systems, improve access to lifesaving care and deepen ongoing reforms targeted at reducing morbidity and mortality across the country.
