The Federal Government has deployed five ambulances to selected health facilities in Bauchi State under the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) to strengthen emergency response and referral services.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, unveiled the ambulances alongside a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facility at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi.
The intervention is part of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The ambulances were deployed to Toro General Hospital, Gamawa Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Misau, ATBUTH and the North-East Vesicovaginal Fistula Centre in Ningi.
Speaking at the event, Pate said timely access to emergency care was critical to saving lives, particularly in communities where distance and inadequate referral systems could delay treatment.
“Timely access to emergency care is essential to saving lives, particularly where distance and inadequate referral capacity can delay life-saving care,” he said.
He urged the beneficiary facilities to ensure the ambulances were properly maintained and integrated into their emergency referral systems.
“These ambulances must be properly utilised, maintained and fully integrated into the referral pathways of the beneficiary institutions,” Pate said.
The Minister also highlighted other Federal Government investments in Bauchi’s health sector, including the ongoing expansion of ATBUTH, Federal Medical Centre, Misau and the North-East Vesicovaginal Fistula Centre in Ningi.
He said more than 100 primary healthcare centres were also being revitalised through collaboration between the Federal and Bauchi State governments.
Pate disclosed that the Federal Government had earlier in 2026 deployed about ₦10 billion worth of medical equipment, medicines, ambulances and maternity kits to health facilities across the state.
At ATBUTH, the Minister unveiled a CNG facility aimed at improving the efficiency and sustainability of energy use at the hospital.
He said the ongoing expansion of ATBUTH would increase its capacity to provide tertiary and specialised healthcare services.
According to him, investments in advanced diagnostics and cancer care would also help bring specialised services closer to residents and reduce the need for patients to travel outside Bauchi for treatment.
“These investments demonstrate our commitment to translating policy commitments into practical improvements in the health system,” he said.
Pate added that the Federal Government would continue to work with the Bauchi State Government, health institutions and other stakeholders to improve access to emergency and specialised healthcare.
The Bauchi deployment forms part of the nationwide rollout of NEMSAS, following recent deployments in Plateau and Ogun states.