Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has launched the Kaduna State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (KADSEMSAS), describing it as a landmark in his administration’s commitment to saving lives and ensuring no citizen is denied access to emergency healthcare.

Speaking at the flag-off on Thursday, the governor said the initiative was not just about unveiling ambulances, but about guaranteeing the right to timely medical intervention for every resident of the state.

“Our vision is simple but profound: no citizen of Kaduna State should be denied timely medical intervention because of distance, delay, or lack of access,” Sani declared.

The system features a fleet of ambulances with life-saving equipment, a central dispatch centre, and trained emergency medical technicians who will stabilize patients en route to hospitals. It will operate across all 23 local government areas, serving both urban and rural communities.

“In times of crisis—whether a maternal complication, a road traffic accident, or a cardiac emergency—minutes can mean the difference between life and death. This deliberate step underscores our resolve to leave no one behind,” the governor said.

Sani stressed that the program reflects his administration’s “people-first philosophy,” anchored on Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

He noted ongoing reforms, including revitalization of primary health centres, prioritization of maternal and child health, and approval of new salary structures for health workers.

“This initiative is not for the privileged few. It is for the farmer in Ikara, the trader in Kachia, the student in Giwa, and the child in Kagarko. No one will be left behind,” he assured.

Commissioner for Health, Umma K. Ahmed, hailed the scheme as “a giant leap forward,” noting that integration of the Rural Emergency Medical and Maternal Transport Services (RESMAT) into KADSEMSAS would extend access to hard-to-reach areas.

She added that treatment within the first 48 hours will be free for pregnant women, children, and accident victims.

Governor Sani also emphasised sustainability, saying the government was upgrading health facilities, training health workers, and involving communities to make the system effective beyond the launch. “To our citizens: this system belongs to you. Use it responsibly, report misuse, and provide feedback,” he said.

The flag-off follows Kaduna’s onboarding into the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), approved by the Federal Ministry of Health in 2024. Officials believe the state’s example could set a benchmark for others across the country. (The Nation)