In a significant advancement for healthcare in Edo State, the government, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, unveiled the first phase of the Edo Emergency Medical Services Project (EdoEMS). This initiative aims to provide fast and reliable emergency medical care to the state’s citizens, leveraging technology to ensure services reach even the most vulnerable residents of the state, starting in Benin City.
Delivered in partnership with innovative health technology company, Emergency Response Africa, with support from the Fund for Innovation in Development (FID), the EdoEMS project aligns with the state’s efforts to enhance healthcare services. The Fund for Innovation in Development is a new and ambitious financing mechanism that enables innovators to test new ideas and scale up the most effective solutions with the most positive and lasting impact. EdoEMS is a collaborative effort across the Ministry of Health, led by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samuel Alli, the Ministry of Public Safety and Security, led by the Honourable Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Mr. Kingsley Uwagbale, the Emergency Response Africa team, led by Chief Executive Officer, Folake Owodunni, and critical agencies such as the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme (EDOHIS), under the leadership of Director General, Dr Rock Amegor, the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, under the leadership of Executive Secretary, Dr Omo Izedonmwen, and the John Odigiye-Oyegun Public Service Academy, led by Director General, Mrs Precious Imuwahen Anjoonu. Several leading public and private healthcare facilities were selected as key collaborators, including the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo Specialist Hospital, and others.
At the core of the EdoEMS project is a technology-enabled Community-Based First Responder (CBFR) program, set to deploy in Benin City. Nearly 200 community members will receive training and be equipped as first responders to provide prompt and effective care in medical emergencies in their communities. The Edo State Government has also provided and revitalized 4 ambulances for stabilization and medical transportation to nearby hospitals. EdoEMS will serve as the first line of intervention to tackle sudden illnesses, road accidents and injuries, and provide access to emergency obstetric care for pregnant women.
Through a rigorous nomination and selection process, the Community-Based First Responders have been selected from across each local government area within Benin City. They will undergo 6 days of comprehensive training from a specialized curriculum developed for Edo State and participate in practical drills and live simulations of emergency scenarios. They will also be equipped to promote enrollment of citizens in the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme to increase health insurance adoption across Edo State.
The service will go live later this month and residents of Benin City can anticipate access to rapid and reliable emergency medical care by calling 112 or 739. Trained agents at the Edo State Command and Control Centre will promptly dispatch a nearby first responder to offer first aid and manage the situation until an ambulance arrives if needed. In the coming months, the Edo State Government will expand access to cover all parts of the state.
The launch of EdoEMS marks a major step forward in the delivery of healthcare services in Edo State, reinforcing the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens. Through strategic partnerships and the innovative use of technology, this initiative promises to set a new standard for emergency medical response, ensuring that every resident, especially those in the most vulnerable communities, has access to swift, efficient, and reliable care.
