The federal government of Nigeria has established the National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee (NEMTC) to address the persistent issue of high maternal and Child Mortality rates across the country. Its primary goal is to improve emergency services and ultimately decrease the number of deaths caused by medical emergencies. The group will meet once every two months, with meetings scheduled every other month. However, the NEMTC brings together diverse stakeholders, such as healthcare professionals, emergency medical services providers, government agencies, and Civil Society organisations.
Dr. Ismaila Musa Jibrin leads the NEMTC team as Chairman, with Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe as his co-chairman. Furthermore, Dr. Oyebanji Filiani, the commissioner of Ekiti State, is just one of the many distinguished committee members. Also included are Dr. Simeone Onyemaechi, CEO of Anambra State Health Insurance Agency; Dr. Muhammed Usman Adis, Executive Secretary of Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency; Dr. Ezire Onoroide, a Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank; Mr. Daniel Atabo, Chief Search and Rescue Officer at NEMA; and the Chairman of the Guild of Medical Directors.
Stakeholders will collaborate to enhance and authorise NEMSAS work plan.
Likewise, the meeting includes a group of representatives from organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Federal Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), various media outlets, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Civil Society Organizations (CSO), Social Workers of Nigeria, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), and the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC). Among their various duties, the committee collaborates with key stakeholders to enhance and authorise the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) work plan using five percent of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Meanwhile, the organisation will submit regular audited financial statements and performance updates to the Ministerial Oversight Committee and oversee various emergency medical services in the country. Its primary goal is to guarantee high-quality, efficient, prompt emergency medical services nationwide. On the other hand, it will handle any additional tasks the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare assigns. During its inauguration in Abuja, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasised the committee’s vital role in improving healthcare services for people in the country, focusing on the well-being of mothers and children.
Access to health services will be available without financial stress.
His characterisation of the approach was a well-timed, fitting, and effective solution that will decrease the alarming rates of maternal and child deaths and make a meaningful impact towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The government is actively working to improve emergency care services and referrals for pregnant women and newborns between different levels of health facilities. The Minister further emphasised the importance of effectively linking Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) with Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEMONC) facilities.
Providing financial risk protection for pregnant women in rural areas is crucial for improving overall health outcomes and significantly reducing maternal and child mortality rates across the country. This initiative ensures that pregnant women have access to essential healthcare services without the burden of financial stress, leading to healthier pregnancies and safer deliveries. He guaranteed a partnership between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NEMTC team to reach goals and enhance the health and wellness of the people.
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As a result, the NEMTC is dedicated to lowering maternal and child mortality rates while also enhancing the resilience of the nation’s healthcare system. The committee’s improvement of emergency medical services leads to increased readiness for upcoming health emergencies and enhances the healthcare system’s ability to handle crises effectively. Enhancing the resilience of healthcare systems is crucial in promoting lasting advancements in maternal and child health nationwide, resulting in enhanced resource utilisation and better health results for diverse communities.