Tinubu Unveils Major Health Projects, Deploys 145 Ambulances to Boost Emergency Care

"The projects, executed across the six geopolitical zones, form part of the administration's health sector renewal agenda aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery at primary, secondary and tertiary levels."

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned a series of health infrastructure projects across Nigeria and launched 145 tricycle ambulances as part of efforts to strengthen emergency medical services and improve access to healthcare nationwide.

The projects, executed across the six geopolitical zones, form part of the administration's health sector renewal agenda aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery at primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

Speaking virtually during the nationwide commissioning on Friday, Tinubu described the initiative as a significant milestone in the government's commitment to providing affordable and quality healthcare for all Nigerians.

According to the President, the projects are designed to ensure that citizens, regardless of location, have access to efficient healthcare services and emergency medical response.

"We are determined to give Nigerians the kind of care that, for too long, only those who could travel abroad enjoyed," Tinubu said, adding that the country's emergency response system must function as a unified national network.

The President commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), development partners and state governments for their roles in implementing the projects.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the interventions represent measurable progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030 under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

He noted that beyond infrastructure development, the administration has focused on strengthening preventive healthcare, immunisation, maternal health services and quality primary healthcare systems across the country.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the commissioning as another milestone in efforts to expand access to lifesaving services and improve healthcare outcomes nationwide.

Salako said the emergency medical assets unveiled include 145 tricycle ambulances, six boat ambulances and emergency communication and dispatch equipment to improve pre-hospital care and rapid response services.

Among the projects commissioned were Emergency Operations Centres in Kano, Sokoto and Katsina states, the Lagos Vaccine Hub, primary healthcare infrastructure in Delta State, a Trauma Centre at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, a Mental Health Complex at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and other tertiary healthcare facilities across the country.

He disclosed that the ministry has lined up more than 100 projects to mark the administration's third anniversary, noting that over 4,000 primary healthcare centres have been revitalised, health insurance coverage expanded by more than 33 per cent, and 15 new federal tertiary health institutions established.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, said the newly launched ambulances would be deployed to primary healthcare centres, particularly in rural communities, with trained drivers and healthcare personnel attached to ensure swift emergency response.

She expressed optimism that ongoing investments under the Renewed Hope Agenda would further strengthen the nation's healthcare system and improve access to quality medical services for Nigerians.