Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, on Thursday officially launched the Kaduna State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (KADSEMSAS), describing it as a landmark step in his administration’s drive to save lives and ensure equitable access to emergency healthcare.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the governor emphasized that the initiative was not merely about deploying ambulances but about guaranteeing the right to timely medical intervention for every citizen.
“Today marks a transformative moment in the history of Kaduna State,” Governor Sani declared. “Our vision is simple but profound: no citizen should be denied timely medical care because of distance, delay, or lack of access.”
KADSEMSAS will operate across all 23 Local Government Areas, supported by a fleet of ambulances equipped with life-saving technology, a central dispatch hub, and teams of trained paramedics and emergency medical technicians.
The system is designed to respond swiftly to crises ranging from maternal complications and road accidents to cardiac emergencies—where, as the governor noted, “minutes can mean the difference between life and death.”
A dedicated emergency hotline will connect citizens directly to the system, ensuring the nearest ambulance is dispatched without delay. The initiative is expected to significantly cut down response times, especially in maternal and neonatal cases where delays often prove fatal.
Governor Sani stressed that the project reflects his administration’s “people-first philosophy” and commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Since assuming office, he said, Kaduna has revitalized primary health centers, strengthened the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA), prioritized maternal and child health, and approved new salary structures (CONMESS and CONHESS) to motivate healthcare workers.
“This initiative is not for the privileged few,” he assured. “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.”
Kaduna’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Umma K. Ahmed, described the launch as a “giant leap forward” in the state’s health sector. She noted that integrating the Rural Emergency Medical and Maternal Transport Services (RESMAT) into KADSEMSAS would extend coverage to remote and underserved communities.
“Emergencies come without warning, but what saves lives is speed and quality of response,” she said. “With KADSEMSAS, Kaduna is ensuring no citizen is left helpless in their hour of greatest need.”
The program will also provide free emergency treatment for the first 48 hours, particularly targeting pregnant women, children, and accident victims.
Governor Sani highlighted the importance of sustainability, pledging continuous investments in hospital upgrades, staff training, and community engagement to keep the system effective long after its launch.
“This system belongs to you, the people,” he said. “Use it responsibly, report misuse, and share feedback. Excellence is a journey we will walk together.”
The initiative follows Kaduna’s enrollment into the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), approved by the Federal Ministry of Health in 2024. Officials believe Kaduna’s model could serve as a benchmark for other Nigerian states.
“This is a bold step toward equity in healthcare,” Governor Sani concluded. “Kaduna is determined to lead in emergency medical innovation and will continue to put the health and safety of our people first.”
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