Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has officially launched the Kaduna State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (KADSEMSAS), describing it as a transformative step in his administration’s drive to ensure that no citizen is denied timely access to emergency healthcare.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Thursday, Governor Sani said the initiative goes beyond deploying ambulances, it represents a bold commitment to the right of every resident to life-saving medical intervention.
“Today marks a transformative moment in the history of Kaduna State,” Sani declared. “Our vision is simple but profound: no citizen of Kaduna State should be denied timely medical care because of distance, delay, or lack of access.”
The new system includes a fleet of fully-equipped ambulances, a central dispatch center staffed with trained emergency personnel, and a team of emergency medical technicians and paramedics who can stabilize patients while en route to healthcare facilities. KADSEMSAS will operate across all 23 Local Government Areas, reaching both urban centres and remote rural communities.
“In times of crisis — whether a maternal complication, a road traffic accident, or a cardiac emergency — minutes can mean the difference between life and death,” the governor said. “This deliberate step underscores our resolve to leave no one behind — urban or rural, rich or poor.”
Residents will be able to call a dedicated emergency number, which will trigger a rapid response from the nearest available ambulance. The government hopes the system will significantly reduce emergency response times, especially in maternal and neonatal emergencies where delays often prove fatal. The first 48 hours of emergency treatment will be provided free of charge, with special attention to pregnant women, children, and accident victims.
Governor Sani emphasized that KADSEMSAS reflects his administration’s “people-first philosophy” and ongoing commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He stated, “Access to healthcare is a right, not a privilege. We’ve strengthened the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA), revitalized our primary health centres, prioritized maternal and child health, and recently approved the 2024 CONMESS and CONHESS salary structures to better support our healthcare workers.”
He stressed that the system was designed to serve every citizen, regardless of location or status. “This initiative is for the farmer in Ikara, the trader in Kachia, the student in Giwa, and the child in Kagarko. No one will be left behind,” he said.
Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Umma K. Ahmed, described the launch as a “giant leap forward” for healthcare delivery. She noted that the integration of the Rural Emergency Medical and Maternal Transport Services (RESMAT) into KADSEMSAS would help reach communities that are typically hard to access. “Emergencies come without warning, but what determines survival is the speed and quality of the response,” she said. “With KADSEMSAS, Kaduna is taking a decisive step to ensure that no citizen is left helpless in their hour of need.”
Governor Sani also addressed the sustainability of the program. He assured citizens that the state government is investing in the continuous upgrade of health facilities, training of healthcare workers, and engaging communities to ensure that the system remains effective long after the initial launch. “To our citizens: this system belongs to you,” he said. “Use it responsibly, report misuse, and share feedback. Excellence is a continuous journey, not a destination.”
The launch follows Kaduna’s onboarding into the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), which was approved by the Federal Ministry of Health in 2024. Officials believe Kaduna’s model could serve as a benchmark for other states in Nigeria.
“This is a bold step toward equity in healthcare access,” Governor Sani concluded. “Kaduna is committed to leading the way in emergency medical innovation — because every life matters.”
