- FG approves the RESMAT programme in Nasarawa State to provide free emergency medical transport for pregnant women and children under five.
- Ambulance tricycles and upgraded healthcare facilities will be provided to enhance medical services in rural areas.
- Nasarawa State pledges full support for the initiative, including setting up a command centre and improving healthcare infrastructure.
The Federal Government has approved the implementation of the Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) programme across all 13 local government areas of Nasarawa State, which aims to enhance healthcare access for women and children.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the initiative, sanctioned by Prof. Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, aims to provide free emergency medical services and transportation for pregnant women and children under five, particularly in remote areas.
Chairman of the Nasarawa State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Systems, Dr. Umar Apeshi, announced the development during an advocacy visit to the Deputy Governor’s office in Lafia on Thursday.
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Apeshi explained that RESMAT, a sub-programme of the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Systems, is designed to reduce maternal and child mortality rates in the state. Under the programme, patients will receive free treatment for the first 48 hours, with funding covered under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).
To support implementation, the Federal Government will supply ambulance tricycles to 30 selected primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across the state. Additionally, secondary and primary healthcare facilities will be upgraded to improve service delivery.
Apeshi urged the Nasarawa State government to support the initiative by upgrading medical equipment, setting up a command and control centre, and providing office space for programme coordination.
Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, Dr. John Damina, revealed that three medical facilities in each of Nasarawa’s 147 electoral wards would be used for the programme’s rollout.
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In response, Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, commended the Federal Government’s intervention and pledged the state’s full support, including providing office space and establishing a command centre at the Ministry of Health.
The implementation team includes heads of health agencies, the Red Cross Society, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), among others.
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