By: John Bassey, Zamfara.
The Zamfara State Ministry of Health under the leadership of Honourable Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun has inaugurated the State Emergency Medical Treatment Committee (SEMTC) to strengthen emergency healthcare delivery and reduce preventable deaths across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Maradun, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Malam Bashiru Surajo Gusau, described the initiative as a vital response to the urgent need for timely and life saving medical services.
Dr. Maradun noted that many residents including expectant mothers, accident victims, children, and patients with sudden health crises often encounter financial barriers, delays in accessing health facilities, and poor system coordination.
According to her, such challenges contribute to preventable deaths, which run contrary to the healthcare priorities of Governor Dauda Lawal and the mandate of the Ministry.
She explained that the SEMTC will operate in line with the National Health Act and collaborate with the National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee (NEMTC) to strengthen emergency response both at state and community levels.
“The Committee will coordinate emergency medical services, accredit emergency treatment centers and ambulance providers, ensure effective and timely care, and submit quarterly performance reports to State oversight Committee and NEMTC. she said.
Dr Maradun congratulated the Committee Chairman, Dr. Gambo Liman, and Secretary, Dr. Lawal S. Zamfara, while commending the expertise and dedication of all members. She urged them to work with integrity, compassion, and innovation, assuring them of the Ministry’s full support.
She also called on health facilities, development partners, local government councils, traditional leaders, and communities to support the initiative, stressing that collective effort is key to success.
Dr. Maradun described the inauguration as a major milestone in the State’s quest to achieve Universal Health Coverage, declaring: “No life in Zamfara should be lost for lack of access to emergency medical care.”
