FG, Katsina Launch 18 Ambulances, 238 Tricycles, Commission General Hospital –
Katsina State and Federal Government Unveil Ambulance Initiative to Enhance Emergency Healthcare
KATSINA, Nigeria — The Federal and Katsina State governments officially launched 18 ambulances and 238 tricycle ambulances on Tuesday in a concerted effort to enhance emergency healthcare delivery throughout the state.
The initiative includes 15 Advanced Life Support ambulances provided by the state government and an additional three supplied by the Federal Government, collectively boosting the available emergency response capacity.
The unveiling took place in Charanchi, headlined by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, alongside Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda. The event also marked the commissioning of the General Hospital in Charanchi, recently upgraded at a cost of 2.059 billion naira.
Professor Pate emphasized that the State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (SEMSAS) aims to link local communities with vital emergency medical services. This system is designed to ensure residents can promptly receive necessary medical assistance and access healthcare facilities.
“This intervention aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which aims to strengthen Nigeria’s health system through collaboration between federal and state entities, as well as development partners,” Pate stated.
Governor Radda described the emergency ambulance launch as a significant step forward in improving access to timely emergency healthcare in the state. He noted that the 15 Advanced Life Support ambulances will deliver specialized care and patient stabilization during transit, while the 238 tricycle ambulances are intended to serve rural and hard-to-reach areas.
The upgraded Charanchi General Hospital is equipped to provide diagnostic, medical, surgical, maternity, emergency, and other essential services for both Charanchi residents and neighboring communities. Radda revealed that this hospital is one of six secondary healthcare facilities initiated by his administration, with two others—Funtua and Mai’adua General Hospitals—expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Additionally, he mentioned that over 280 comprehensive and primary healthcare centers across Katsina State have been renovated and revitalized over the past three years.
Dr. Adamu Aminu Adamu, Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, affirmed that the agency’s focus will be on strengthening emergency response capabilities. This includes improving ambulance coordination, facilitating rapid response, and enhancing patient transportation and referral links between communities and healthcare facilities.
Aminu highlighted the initiative’s potential impact, especially regarding access to emergency transportation for pregnant women and other patients in remote areas. He reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing preventable deaths and ensuring timely access to emergency medical care for all residents of Katsina State.
