Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, has reaffirmed that the State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (ASEMSAS) operates round the clock to provide critical medical care.
Dr. Obidike, speaking in Awka, expressed concern over the underutilization of the service by Ndi Anambra and other residents of the state and described ASEMSAS as a vital lifeline in emergencies, emphasising that it has been committed to ensuring safety and well-being since its launch on May 11, 2023.
According to the Commissioner, ASEMSAS guarantees swift and effective medical assistance during emergencies, regardless of time or location, and urged residents to call the emergency hotline 112 or any of the dedicated lines: 09113634522, 09113634381, and 09113634173 for immediate assistance.
Dr. Obidike highlighted ASEMSAS’s broad scope, which includes cardiac care, trauma management, obstetric emergencies, and pediatric care, facilitated by strategically positioned life ambulance service providers across the state, even as he noted that emergency medical services are free for the first 48 hours, with additional benefits available to those with health insurance.
The Commissioner called on residents to invest in life ambulance services and register with ASEMSAS, which is a collaboration between the private and public sectors to ensure efficiency and sustainability during emergencies.
The Programme Coordinator of ASEMSAS, Dr. Chukwulobelu Ugochukwu, emphasised the important role of training and preparedness in the system’s success and stated that their team’s efficiency stems from continuous capacity-building initiatives, as they have trained personnel who understand that every second counts during emergencies and that ASEMSAS is a model designed not just to respond but to save lives within critical moments.
Dr. Ugochukwu further encouraged Ndi Anambra to take ownership of the system by spreading awareness and utilising the services, adding that the collaborative efforts between private and public stakeholders ensure that ASEMSAS remains resilient and effective, even during peak demands.
