Asagba Commits ₦10 Million To Launch Free Ambulance Service In Asaba
Asagba Launches Landmark Emergency Healthcare Initiative
THE Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, has pledged ₦10 million to support the newly launched Asaba Community Free Ambulance Services, a healthcare initiative designed to provide emergency medical response to residents of the Delta State capital.
The announcement was made at the Asagba’s Palace during the official unveiling of the programme, which the monarch described as a groundbreaking intervention aimed at improving access to emergency healthcare services within the community.
According to the royal father, the initiative represents a significant milestone not only for Asaba Kingdom but also for Delta State and the country as a whole.
Vision for Accessible Emergency Healthcare
Speaking during the launch, Asagba Azinge expressed optimism that the project would transform emergency healthcare delivery in the community.
He noted that plans were already underway to deploy at least five ambulance vehicles within the next two months to ensure prompt response to medical emergencies.
The monarch disclosed that the Palace would shoulder the operational costs of the programme, including the procurement of drugs, recruitment of drivers, salaries of healthcare professionals and security personnel required for the smooth running of the service.
When fully operational, the ambulance service is expected to function round-the-clock, with a dedicated emergency telephone line to be announced for public use.
Call for Community Support and Partnerships
The royal father used the occasion to call on Asaba indigenes at home and in the diaspora, non-governmental organisations, social clubs and other stakeholders to support the initiative.
He emphasized that the programme was conceived as a community-driven intervention intended to complement existing healthcare services rather than compete with government institutions.
According to him, meaningful development often begins when communities identify pressing needs and take collective action to address them.
The monarch stressed that broad-based participation would be essential to ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of the ambulance scheme.
Recognition for Project Coordinators
Asagba Azinge commended members of the committee responsible for driving the initiative, particularly the Chairman of the Asaba Drug and Rehabilitation Committee, Ogbueshi Dr. Ify Uraih.
He also praised committee members and National Youth Service Corps personnel attached to the Palace for their commitment and urged them to continue working diligently to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.
Their efforts, he said, have laid the foundation for a project capable of making a significant difference in the lives of residents.
Temporary Arrangements Ahead of Full Deployment
Responding on behalf of the committee, Dr. Uraih expressed appreciation to the monarch for providing visionary leadership and support for the initiative.
He disclosed that a vehicle belonging to the Asaba Drug Rehabilitation Centre would temporarily serve as an emergency response vehicle pending the arrival of the dedicated ambulance fleet.
The arrangement, he explained, would ensure that the community begins benefiting from emergency response services while preparations for full-scale operations continue.
Building on Existing Healthcare Interventions
The launch of the Asaba Community Free Ambulance Services adds to a growing list of healthcare interventions championed by the Asaba Kingdom.
Recent initiatives include the donation of dialysis machines to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, and the establishment of the Asaba Drug Rehabilitation Centre.
Observers say the ambulance project further reflects the increasing role of traditional institutions in supporting healthcare delivery and community development.
With emergency medical services often inaccessible to many residents, stakeholders believe the initiative could significantly improve response times during medical emergencies and potentially save lives across the community.
