Dala Orthopaedic Hospital in Kano has been officially accredited to provide 48 hours of free emergency treatment to indigent patients under the Federal Government’s National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System, NEMSAS.
Speaking shortly after a tour of the facilities at the hospital premises, the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Nurudeen Isa, revealed that the initiative is part of the federal government’s broader efforts to provide immediate medical intervention for accident victims and other emergency cases, especially among the less privileged.
“Today, we invited you to witness a major milestone in emergency healthcare delivery. This initiative ensures that indigent patients whether they are victims of road traffic accidents, obstetric emergencies, snakebites, or gunshot wounds will receive emergency care free of charge for the first 48 hours upon arrival at our facility,” he said.
He explained that the programme is fully funded through NEMSAS, which draws from 1% of the nation’s consolidated revenue, in line with provisions of the National Health Act.
“The Dala facility is the first in Kano to be accredited under this programme, with more hospitals both federal and state-owned expected to join soon.”
“This scheme is a game-changer. The patients will be picked up by emergency ambulances fully equipped and staffed from any part of Kano State and brought here for treatment without worrying about cost, at least within the first crucial 48 hours,” the CMD added.
He said the collaboration involves multiple stakeholders, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, which will assist with patient transport, particularly from highway accident scenes.
“The ambulances are equipped to provide pre-hospital emergency care and maintain communication with the hospital while en route.”
“The goal is simple: reduce mortality and complications by starting treatment right from the accident scene all the way to the hospital. That’s how lives are saved,” he said.
Also speaking, the National Programme Manager of NEMSAS, Dr. Said Ahmed Dumbulwa, who was represented by the Head of Operations, Dr. Emuren Doubra, highlighted the funding structure and strategic importance of the programme.
“This initiative is part of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund. Five percent of the one percent of the federal consolidated revenue is allocated specifically for emergency treatment. It is designed to ensure that no Nigerian dies simply because they cannot afford to pay at the point of need,” Dr. Doubra stated.
He emphasized that the NEMSAS initiative is a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda for health, coordinated under the leadership of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.
