The Federal Government has announced plans to provide free emergency transportation services to 1.7 million pregnant women in rural areas across Nigeria.
Nasir Yakubu, Head of the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), shared this update in Bauchi during a state-level engagement on implementing rural ambulance services.
The initiative, supported by the World Bank, is set to roll out under NEMSAS through the State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (SEMSAS) in 15 selected states by December 2025.
The project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s goal of achieving universal health coverage by extending last-mile access to quality healthcare.
Yakubu explained that this program aims to address the critical need for timely emergency transport services for rural residents who often face limited healthcare access.
It will enable 24/7 medical emergency services, providing no-cost assistance for the first 48 hours.
The program will utilise a diverse fleet of ambulances to reach those in need swiftly.
Bauchi State’s Health Commissioner, Sani Damban, lauded the initiative as life-saving, emphasising its potential to reduce maternal and under-five mortality rates in rural areas.
He noted that the scheme ensures patients can access healthcare without worrying about immediate costs, describing it as one of the most impactful federal interventions for Nigeria’s rural communities.
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