The Federal Government has taken a major step to strengthen emergency medical services across Nigeria with plans to procure specialized emergency care helicopters as part of a new Integrated National Ground-to-Air Health Emergency Management System.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the procurement of the helicopters to enhance rapid response capabilities for healthcare emergencies nationwide.
The Minister disclosed this during a working visit to France, where he held discussions with executives of Europe’s leading aerospace company, Airbus.
He also inspected an Airbus Emergency Care Helicopter at a French Government-supported air ambulance facility in Lyon.
According to a statement from the ministry, the initiative forms a key component of the Federal Government’s broader Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative aimed at expanding public health infrastructure and improving emergency medical services.
Prof. Pate emphasized that the government is revamping the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Scheme with both urban and rural emergency systems.
The introduction of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) will complement existing ground ambulances, particularly for hard-to-reach areas and critical life-threatening situations.
“In line with the health sector renewal investment initiative, we are expanding Nigeria’s public health infrastructure, as well as private sector capacity for medical care, including emergencies,” the Minister said.
“The National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Scheme is being revamped with urban ambulances for cities and rural emergency systems. Now, we are looking at helicopter emergency medical services.”
The proposed system, linked to the National Medical Emergency Management System (NEMSAS), aims to significantly reduce response times and save more lives by integrating ground and air emergency responses across the country.
Negotiations with Airbus are currently focused on the development and deployment of the integrated national air ambulance framework, leveraging the company’s globally recognized expertise in emergency medical helicopters.
This development comes as the government continues to push for improved access to emergency care, including full nationwide coverage of the 112 emergency number.
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