Delta Community Unveils Free Ambulance Service With N10m Take-off Fund
The Asaba community in Delta State on Monday unveiled a free ambulance service initiative with an initial donation of N10 million.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Asaba, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, said the initiative aimed to improve emergency healthcare delivery in the community.
Azinge explained that although the ambulances had not yet been purchased, the project was unveiled after months of planning that had been delayed by bureaucratic challenges.
He noted that the initiative was designed to serve the collective interest of residents and would be continuously reviewed and strengthened for the public good.
“Asaba has resolved to move forward in this direction by launching a free ambulance service,” he said.
The traditional ruler called on non-governmental organisations, financial institutions, clubs, associations, and Asaba indigenes at home and in the diaspora to support the initiative.
“The service will be community-driven and offered free of charge to residents,” he added.
Azinge expressed confidence in the project’s success, noting that the community already had access to doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.
He added that the initiative would also create employment opportunities for drivers and additional healthcare personnel.
“What I envision is a situation where, in the event of an emergency, a call can be made and, within the shortest possible time, an ambulance will arrive,” he said.
The Asagba disclosed that the community planned to commission at least five ambulances within the next two months.
He stressed that the service would not be restricted to indigenes alone but would be available to all Asaba residents.
According to him, healthcare remains a top priority for the throne, citing ongoing efforts to revitalise primary healthcare centres across the community.
He revealed that doctors, nurses, and pharmacists had been deployed to support healthcare services through partnerships with relevant agencies.
Azinge noted that the initiative would complement the healthcare efforts of both the Delta State and Federal Governments.
He recalled that the Asaba community had previously donated dialysis machines to the Federal Medical Centre and Asaba Specialist Hospital.
The traditional ruler assured residents that emergency communication channels and security arrangements would be put in place to ensure smooth operations.
He commended the Drug Rehabilitation Committee, led by Dr. Ifeanyi Uriah, for its contributions toward realising the vision.
Azinge reaffirmed that at least five ambulances would be operational within two months under the programme.
