The Federal Government has announced a plan to provide free emergency transportation services to approximately 1.7 million pregnant women in 15 selected rural communities across Nigeria by the end of 2025.
The National Programme Manager for the National Emergency Medical and Ambulance System, Dr. Saidu Ahmed Dumbulwa, shared the initiative’s details at a stakeholders’ engagement in Damaturu, Yobe State.
Represented by Ahmed Lawan-Tijjani, Dumbulwa emphasized the importance of state governments’ support in achieving the program’s goals, explaining, “The target is that by the end of December 2025, we will be able to reach 1,700,000 pregnant women rural dwellers in 15 states of the federation.” He noted that this initiative aims to improve maternal health and reduce infant mortality rates.
Dumbulwa also disclosed that NEMSAS would collaborate with the National Union of Road Transport Workers and the Federal Road Safety Corps to facilitate smooth transportation and timely medical interventions for expectant mothers in remote areas.
Yobe State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana, commended the federal government for the project, stating, “With the coming of this project, it’s going to further complement what the Yobe state government is doing in providing health emergencies… we believe with this initiative, it’s going to minimize gaps.”
This program aligns with Governor Mai Mala Buni’s efforts to achieve universal healthcare coverage in Yobe State, and it marks a step toward addressing health access challenges faced by rural populations across Nigeria.
