Ekiti State Encourages Public Use of Free Emergency Ambulance Service

The Ekiti State Government has called on residents to make full use of the state’s free emergency ambulance system for urgent medical situations, emphasizing that the service is designed for rapid response and on-site treatment to prevent avoidable deaths.

Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, made the appeal during the quarterly meeting of the State Emergency Medical Treatment Committee in Ado Ekiti on Thursday. He stated that the Ekiti State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (EKSEMSAS) provides critical pre-hospital care and transport for injuries, illnesses, and maternal emergencies.

Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, Filani clarified that the service is not limited to road accidents but extends to all emergencies, including domestic and maternity cases.

The State Coordinator of EKSEMSAS, Dr. Olumide Obe, explained that the system operates a networked fleet of ambulances from hospitals and primary healthcare centres across the state, enabling responses even in remote areas. He noted plans to introduce tricycle ambulances for hard-to-reach communities.

Dr. Obe also addressed a common misconception, stressing that ambulances are meant for rescue and transporting patients—not corpses. “Vehicles that carry corpses are hearses, not ambulances. We rescue the sick, injured, and women in labour,” he said.

Residents can access the free emergency service by calling 112 or any of the dedicated lines: 0800 060 6606, 0811 111 4622, 0811 111 4633, 0811 111 4644, and 0811 111 4655. Ambulances are equipped with first-aid and resuscitation gear, including oxygen and nebulizers.

The call to utilise the service aligns with the state’s broader investments in healthcare under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration, which include renovating over 100 primary health centres, upgrading general hospitals, and constructing an 80-bed facility at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital.