The Kwara State Government has commenced the onboarding process into the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) following an entry meeting held on Monday at the Ministry of Health Headquarters, Ilorin.

The meeting brought together officials from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Kwara State Ministry of Health to discuss modalities for the successful integration of the State into the national emergency medical response initiative aimed at strengthening emergency healthcare delivery across the country.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Taoheed Abdullahi, described the initiative as a timely intervention towards improving emergency medical response services in Kwara State.

Dr. Abdullahi noted that the State Government remains committed to strengthening the healthcare system through strategic partnerships and innovative healthcare programmes capable of improving health outcomes for residents of the State.

He appreciated the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for considering Kwara State for onboarding into the scheme, adding that the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has continued to prioritise reforms and investments in the health sector.

Speaking during the meeting, the Team Lead from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Siahnom Fomufod Ruth, said the visit was part of efforts to formally commence the onboarding process of Kwara State into the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System.

Mrs. Ruth explained that NEMSAS was established to improve access to prompt and efficient emergency medical services, reduce preventable deaths arising from medical emergencies, road traffic accidents and other life-threatening situations, while ensuring better coordination of ambulance services nationwide.

She stated further that the onboarding process would involve assessment of existing emergency response structures, stakeholders' engagement, capacity building for relevant personnel, as well as collaboration with the State Government to ensure smooth implementation of the programme.

Also speaking, the State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (SEMSAS) Chairman, Dr. Stephen Arigidi, expressed confidence in Kwara State's readiness to key into the initiative, citing the State Government's commitment to healthcare development and ongoing efforts at improving access to quality healthcare services for residents.