The Abia State Government has rolled out a new emergency healthcare initiative aimed at reducing maternal and newborn deaths across the state.
The programme, unveiled in Umuahia, is being implemented through the State Ministry of Health under the leadership of Commissioner Enoch Uche. The initiative, known as the Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transport System, aligns with the directive of Governor Alex Otti to prioritise healthcare delivery.
Uche explained that the system is designed to address one of the major causes of maternal and neonatal mortality—delayed access to healthcare facilities. He noted that many deaths occur because pregnant women and newborns are unable to reach skilled medical care in time, particularly in rural areas.
To bridge this gap, the government has deployed ambulances to strategic locations, especially in high-risk local government areas such as Obingwa, Bende, and Ukwa East. The goal, according to the commissioner, is to ensure that emergency transport is available within 25 to 30 minutes for those in need.
In addition to ambulance deployment, the state has strengthened healthcare infrastructure by upgrading facilities, recruiting qualified medical personnel, and improving welfare packages to attract and retain health workers.
The initiative also includes the integration of trained emergency transport officers into the national response platform, enabling faster processing of distress calls and timely dispatch of ambulances.
Recognising the challenges posed by difficult terrains, Uche revealed that the government is introducing alternative transport solutions, including tricycle ambulances for hard-to-reach communities. He also highlighted ongoing investments in rural road networks and plans to deploy drones for the delivery of essential medical supplies to remote health centres.
Describing the programme as part of a broader strategy to eliminate maternal and neonatal deaths, the commissioner praised the administration’s commitment to practical and measurable reforms.
He urged residents to support and take ownership of the initiative, expressing confidence that sustained collaboration between the government and citizens would lead to improved healthcare outcomes and a healthier population.
