Group Photograph with NPM NEMSAS and Comm. for Health Enugu State
1. BACKGROUND
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency medical services across the country, the National Programme Manager (NPM) of the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), Dr. Doubra Emuren, conducted a familiarisation visit to Enugu State. The visit was aimed at assessing the State’s preparedness for the implementation and operationalisation of the State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (SEMSAS), as well as providing the required technical guidance and support.
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE VISIT
The key objectives of the visit were to:
Assess the readiness and capacity of Enugu State to implement SEMSAS effectively.
Engage with key stakeholders within the State Ministry of Health.
Provide technical guidance on the structure and operations of NEMSAS.
Sensitise stakeholders on the SAVEMAMA digital platform.
Identify gaps and recommend actionable steps towards full implementation.
Facilitate alignment with national standards and requirements for onboarding and reimbursement.
3. ATTENDANCE
The meeting was attended by the following key stakeholders:
Dr. Doubra Emuren – National Programme Manager, NEMSAS
Prof. George Ugwu – Honourable Commissioner for Health, Enugu State
Dr. Marcus Agu – State SEMSAS Coordinator
Mr. Timothy Cosmas Odenyi – ICT/NEMSAS
Mr. Raymond Ken-Mbata – Media/Advocacy, NEMSAS
Other officials of the Enugu State Ministry of Health
A total of fifteen (15) participants were in attendance.
4. PROCEEDINGS
The meeting commenced with the observance of the first stanza of the National Anthem, followed by opening remarks from the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu. He welcomed the NEMSAS delegation and emphasised the importance of active participation and prompt implementation of systems, particularly the activation of dashboards for real-time data capture and reporting.
He expressed appreciation for the visit and assured the delegation of the State Government’s commitment to supporting SEMSAS implementation. He further indicated that the team would be taken on a facility tour and affirmed that any identified gaps would be addressed promptly.
The National Programme Manager thereafter delivered a detailed presentation on the structure, operations, and strategic direction of NEMSAS. He highlighted the role of Enugu State in advancing emergency medical services and identified three MAMI LGAs; Oji River, Isi-Uzo, and Igbo-Eze, as priority areas for intervention.
The NPM emphasised the role of the Ministry of Health as the coordinating and operational authority in the State and encouraged a phased implementation approach, starting from central locations and expanding to rural areas.
He also appealed for the formal appointment of Dr. Marcus Agu as the State SEMSAS Coordinator to ensure effective leadership and coordination of activities.
Mr. Timothy Cosmas Odenyi provided an overview of the SAVEMAMA digital model, explaining its functionalities and its importance in enhancing service delivery, monitoring, and accountability.
In his concluding remarks, the NPM outlined the financial and operational requirements necessary for onboarding the State into the NEMSAS framework, which would enable the State to submit claims for reimbursement.
5. FACILITY INSPECTION OF ENUGU STATE SEMSAS OFFICE
Following the meeting, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, led the NEMSAS delegation, headed by the National Programme Manager, Dr. Doubra Emuren, on an inspection visit to the State SEMSAS office located in Enugu, the State capital. The team was accompanied by the State SEMSAS Coordinator, Dr. Marcus Agu.
During the inspection, the Honourable Commissioner reaffirmed the State Government’s readiness to effectively manage emergency medical services. He highlighted key operational components, including the call centre, available ambulances, and adequately staffed offices, all of which are aimed at ensuring a smooth commencement and sustainability of operations.
In his remarks, the National Programme Manager commended the State Government for the existing infrastructure and level of preparedness. He further provided strategic recommendations on strengthening capacity, particularly in enhancing infrastructure and operational efficiency. He also assured the State of continued technical and programmatic support from NEMSAS to ensure optimal performance of the system.
6. KEY OBSERVATIONS
Enugu State demonstrated strong political will and leadership commitment towards SEMSAS implementation.
Stakeholders showed a good understanding of the objectives and expectations of NEMSAS.
There is a need for rapid activation of data dashboards for monitoring and reporting.
Existing infrastructure provides a solid foundation for implementation, though some gaps may still exist.
Formal designation of a State SEMSAS Coordinator is critical for coordination and accountability.
7. KEY OUTCOMES
Increased stakeholder awareness and alignment with NEMSAS objectives.
Commitment from the State Ministry of Health to support implementation efforts.
Identification of priority state owned facilities for initial rollout.
Agreement on the need to commence immediate steps toward onboarding.
Strengthened collaboration between NEMSAS and Enugu State.
8. RECOMMENDATIONS
Immediate activation and deployment of the SEMSAS data dashboard.
Formal appointment/confirmation of the State SEMSAS Coordinator.
Commencement of phased implementation starting from identified LGAs.
Provision of necessary financial and logistical support by the State Government.
Continuous capacity building and technical support for State personnel.
Timely fulfillment of onboarding requirements to enable access to reimbursement mechanisms.
9. CONCLUSION
The familiarisation visit and facility inspection were successful and provided a valuable platform for engagement, assessment, and strategic alignment. Enugu State has demonstrated readiness and commitment to implementing the NEMSAS programme in the state, and with sustained support and prompt action on identified gaps, the State is well-positioned to achieve effective emergency medical service delivery in line with national standards.
10. CLOSING
The exercise concluded with a group photograph involving the Honourable Commissioner for Health, the National Programme Manager, his team, and other participants present.
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