By Chinedum Treasure
Over 150 patients have benefited from emergency medical transports of Anambra State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (ASEMSAS) between May 2023 and December 2025.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike who disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing said the emergency responses covered critical cases including obstetric and neonatal emergencies, trauma and acute medical conditions.
“Disaster-related incidents such as road traffic accidents and building collapses were also among the emergencies handled by ASEMSAS,” he added.
While highlighting the milestones achieved since ASEMSAS was inaugurated on May 11, 2023, Obidike said the figures demonstrated growing effectiveness of Anambra’s emergency response system and positive impact of reforms introduced by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.
“Emergency services provided by ASEMSAS are free within the first 24 hours of care. Extensions in specific clinical cases ensure that financial constraints do not hinder access to life-saving interventions,” he hinted.
The commission urged residents to utilize the emergency services by calling the toll-free numbers 112, 5111, or 08002200008 in times of need to help reduce preventable deaths caused by lack of access.
Describing ASEMSAS as a major breakthrough in emergency healthcare delivery, Obidike revealed that the ambulance fleet had grown from an initial 10 vehicles to over 60 operational ambulances deployed across all 21 local government areas of the state.
He also hinted the state had received interest from 588 supplementary emergency transport units, including 315 tricycle ambulances dedicated to rural emergency services and maternal transportation.
“These efforts aim to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality, especially in hard-to-reach communities,” he added.
Obidike further disclosed that seven boat ambulances have been integrated into the system to serve riverine communities, ensuring equitable access to emergency care for residents in urban, rural, and riverine areas.
“ASEMSAS is fully integrated with public, private, and faith-based health facilities to strengthen referral networks and ensure prompt treatment of patients.
“These emergency transport reforms are part of broader health sector initiatives, including the launch of free antenatal care and delivery services in September 2023, available at all government’s facilities,” he stressed.
