The Plateau State Government with
the support of the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System
(NEMSAS) has flagged-off the pilot scheme of the State Emergency Medical
Service and Ambulance System (PLASEMSAS), and officially commissioned the State Drug and Medical Commodities
Management Agency Pharma-Grade Ware house, in Jos, Plateau State on Tuesday,
10th September, 2024, marking a significant step towards advancing health
supply-chain system and delivering high-quality emergency medical services
towards achieving Universal Health Care in Nigeria.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom mni, said that the flag-off of the Plateau State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System represents a significant milestone in the collective efforts to transform healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
“This initiative reflects the strong commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR's administration and the vision outlined in the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, aimed at strengthening the healthcare system and enhancing population health indicators by addressing critical gaps in healthcare delivery through substantial investments in improving healthcare access and quality for the most vulnerable populations.
Narrating the support for the implementation of this initiative, the Minister, said that Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare donated an ambulance equipped with Basic Life Support equipment to the State, with the intention of encouraging the provision of additional ambulances and resources to ensure comprehensive coverage of Emergency Medical Services in Plateau State.
“Under the Plateau State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System, ambulances will be deployed to respond swiftly to various emergencies, including medical crises, trauma incidents, or accidents, providing transportation to accredited healthcare facilities. Healthcare providers offering services through this system will be duly compensated from the allocated funds under the 5% Basic Health Care Provision Fund designated for Emergency Medical Treatment. This integrated approach aims to deliver timely emergency responses, ensure high-quality pre-hospital care, reduce mortality rates, and fortify the overall healthcare system.”
Speaking further, the Minister, emphasized the pivotal role of the newly upgraded Central Medical Store in establishing an integrated and efficient health supply chain for the distribution of essential medicines and public health commodities.
Highlighting the crucial importance of a robust supply chain in underpinning a resilient healthcare system, Professor Pate underscored the critical role of storing, managing, and distributing public health commodities promptly and reliably, emphasizing the potential impact on saving lives.
He noted that Plateau State has set a precedent as the first state to witness the commissioning of its upgraded warehouse, a journey that commenced with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Health and the Plateau State Government. “The objective of this collaboration was to establish a government-led supply chain characterized by effectiveness, efficiency, financial self-sustainability, and the provision of quality healthcare services in alignment with the principles of Universal Health Coverage".
Professor Pate, who acknowledged the contributions of the Global Fund, the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, the United Nations Children's Fund, Land Designs Limited and other of key stakeholders in realizing the upgraded warehouse, emphasized the importance of sustainability. “The State's commitment to annual budgetary allocations for warehouse maintenance and capacity building for warehouse personnel, as well as the mobilization and maintenance of ambulances and training of health personnel, will be essential for ensuring the long-term viability of the healthcare system.”
During the commissioning, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, commended the Coordinating Minister for the visionary initiatives, highlighting the significance of the Pharma-Grade Warehouse and the Plateau State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System.
Mutfwang emphasized that his administration's dedication to enhance quality healthcare and access played the pivotal role of the new warehouse in establishing a sustainable healthcare infrastructure to ensure the availability of essential medicines and vaccines across all 17 Local Government Areas.
“The state-of-the-art Pharma-Grade Warehouse, equipped with advanced technology and designed to global standards, features a cold room maintaining temperatures below -80°C, a modern forklift for efficient inventory management, pallets for streamlined supply movement, a mini-quality control laboratory, and a drug information center.
“This facility is poised to enhance the effective management and distribution of pharmaceutical supplies, addressing supply chain challenges and facilitating timely healthcare delivery throughout Plateau State.
Governor Mutfwang, expressed
enthusiasm for the warehouse's potential to support local pharmaceutical
production, commending the unveiling of five locally manufactured products and
pledging full support for the agency's collaboration with NAFDAC to ensure
sustainability. “As a beacon of hope and progress, the warehouse symbolizes the
collective commitment to affordable healthcare and serves as a testament to the
transformative impact achievable through unity, shared vision, and diligent
effort in building a healthier future for all Plateau citizens.
“Additionally, the launch of the Plateau State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System signifies a crucial milestone in the journey towards accessible and high-quality healthcare for all residents. This initiative underscores the commitment to saving lives, reducing mortality rates, and providing essential support within the healthcare system.
“The PLASEMSAS aims to establish an integrated emergency medical service and ambulance system that delivers prompt, efficient, and accessible care free of charge within the initial 48 hours of an emergency, eliminating financial barriers in critical situations and ensuring timely care for all individuals.
“Moving forward, the Governor assured that government will continue to refine the system, engage with communities, and collaborate with stakeholders to seamlessly integrate this service into the broader healthcare framework, encouraging all Plateau citizens to familiarize themselves with and utilize this vital service for their health and well-being.
The Governor, expressed gratitude to The Global Fund (TGF) which provided 85% of the project fund (for the physical infrastructure), National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP) – the Principal Recipient (PR) to the grant, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) – the contractor for the warehouse structure, Land Designs Limited – the technical advisors for the project, and others who played one role or the other in accomplishing the upgrade of the warehouse.
Among important personalities present at the event was the Plateau State Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Piyo, Members of the State Executive Council, representatives of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Country Director, GHSC-PSM (USAID), Mr. Chris Wright.
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