The Ogun State Government has intensified efforts to tackle maternal and neonatal mortality with the rollout of its Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) programme in Ijebu-Ode, reinforcing a 24/7 free ambulance response system for vulnerable residents.
The Ogun State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (OGSEMSAS), in collaboration with the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), convened a stakeholders’ town-hall meeting at Itoorun, Ijebu-Ode, on February 25, 2026, to drive awareness and community participation in emergency response protocols.
At the heart of the campaign is a single directive: residents should dial 0811 200 0033 during medical emergencies, particularly for pregnant women and children under five.
State Director of OGSEMSAS, Hassan Adelakun, explained that once a distress call is received, an ambulance team is dispatched immediately to transport patients to designated hospitals, where they receive free emergency care for up to 48 hours. He noted that this rapid-response model is strategically designed to reduce preventable deaths linked to delayed medical intervention.
The RESMAT initiative operates in partnership with Primary Health Centres, with a dedicated Closer User Group (CUG) network enabling seamless and cost-free communication among frontline health workers during emergencies.
Representing NEMSAS, Mrs. Olanpeleke Olufunke stated that the programme was structured to ease the financial burden on rural families while guaranteeing timely access to life-saving services. She urged residents to share the emergency number widely, stressing that speed of response often determines survival outcomes.
Data shared at the meeting indicates measurable impact. The Ogun State MAMII programme has recorded 95 percent activation across participating local government areas, with 1,146 patients transported for obstetric-related emergencies. Of these, 293 involved critical obstetric cases, while 214 were labour and delivery transports.
Significantly, officials reported zero maternal and neonatal mortalities under the programme so far — a milestone that health authorities describe as a breakthrough in public healthcare delivery.
The State Emergency Maternal and Newborn Care Services (SEMSAS) framework is also nearing completion, currently at 95 percent readiness, which is expected to further strengthen emergency medical infrastructure statewide.
Community testimonials reinforced the programme’s impact. Residents of Isiwo Ward praised the responsiveness of ambulance teams, describing the service as transformative for pregnant women in rural communities where access to healthcare has historically been limited.
Community Based First Responder, Mr. Awoyemi Olufemi, emphasized that the ambulance service operates round the clock, reiterating that “every minute counts” in emergency scenarios.
The Deputy Director and Head of Operations at OGSEMSAS, Abiodun Olorunsogo Oyenekan, acknowledged the backing of the state’s health leadership, including the Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Kehinde Oladehinde.
Health authorities describe the RESMAT rollout as a strategic step toward universal healthcare coverage in Ogun State — and potentially a replicable model for other states seeking to reduce maternal and newborn mortality.
For emergencies, residents are urged to call 0811 200 0033 immediately.