By CHARLES IWUOHA

In a major step towards improving emergency healthcare delivery, the Ebonyi State Government has rolled out a free 24-hours Ambulance service for residents of Abakaliki Capital City and beyond.

The initiative, introduced by Governor Francis Nwifuru through the Ministry of Health, is designed to provide swift medical response and save lives during emergencies.

Announcing the programme, the Governor’s Special Assistant on Documentation, Dr. Boniface Nwankwo, explained that the service would not only cover Abakaliki but also extend to Ohaukwu and Ivo Local Government Areas.

“To ensure efficiency, five standby drivers have been deployed to each political ward, operating round the clock. Residents can access the service by calling the toll-free hotline 112 or 08127989346.

“Emergencies covered under the programme include pregnancy-related complications, health crises in children under five, snake bites, gunshot injuries, and road traffic accidents,” Dr. Nwankwo noted.

In addition, patients conveyed by the ambulances will receive 48 hours of free medical care, fully funded by the state government.

Governor Nwifuru emphasized that the programme aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality while tackling preventable health-related deaths across Ebonyi.

However, residents were advised to use the hotline strictly for genuine emergencies to prevent abuse of the service.

This initiative, according to the state government, reflects its commitment to ensuring unhindered access to healthcare and improving the wellbeing of all Ebonyians.