A multilateral financing organisation, Global Fund has donated five state-of-the-art Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) ambulances to the Lagos State Government to enhance swift medical emergency response in the state.
The Director, Public Affairs at the state Ministry of Health, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
The Head of, the Global Fund Grant Management Unit in Lagos, Mr Abiodun Omoloja, said the donation of the ambulances was part of Global Fund’s initiative to strengthen health systems in Lagos State.
Omoloja said the five ambulances are in addition to the eight MICU ambulances earlier donated to the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) in 2022.
According to him, the Fund sees the need to further strengthen LASAMBUS’ emergency response by providing additional ambulances.
“These donations align with Mr Governor’s THEMES+ agenda, supporting the provision of high-quality prehospital and medical emergency services.
“The expanded LASAMBUS fleet will enhance operational coverage, contributing to significant improvements in the state’s health indices,” Omoloja said.
He highlighted Global Fund’s commitment to defeating HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria while ensuring a healthier, safer and more equitable future for all.
Receiving the ambulances on behalf of the Lagos State Government, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, commended Global Fund for a productive partnership in providing effective emergency services.
She further lauded it for sustaining healthcare delivery in the state.
Ogunyemi said the five new ambulances would expand LASAMBUS’ coverage area, and support the state government’s efforts to overhaul and strengthen trauma and medical emergency response systems.
According to her, the goal is to transform LASAMBUS to meet global benchmark standards, with more staff, equipment, ambulance bases, and points to reduce emergency response time in the state.
“We are training more doctors and nurses and acquiring more equipment because we believe that emergency services represent the critical point between life and death.
“When accidents or emergencies occur, we need fully equipped, skilled professionals on site,” she said.
Ogunyemi assured that the newly donated ambulances would be utilised effectively for service delivery.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, of Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Olusegun Ogboye revealed plans to build ambulance bases across all local government areas in the state.
Ogboye said the Ministry of Health was currently in negotiations with local government chairmen to secure spaces for these bases.
“The aim is to ensure that ambulance and emergency services are accessible within the shortest possible time,” he said.
The multimillion-naira MICU ambulances are equipped with essential medical and emergency equipment, including a main ambulance stretcher, trauma kit and patient monitor.
They also contain an automated external defibrillator, and respiratory kit, among other equipment required to stabilise and support patients before further medical intervention.
NAN
