Anambra shuts 54 health facilities, over 150 patients benefit from free emergency ambulance services

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By Sunny A. David, Awka

The Anambra State Government has shut down 54 health facilities across the State for quackery and unwholesome medical practices, as over 150 patients continue to benefit from the State’s free emergency medical transport system.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, disclosed this in Awka while briefing journalists on the operations and achievements of the Anambra State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (ASEMSAS).

According to Obidike, between 2023 and 2025, the government sealed 54 illegal health facilities, with 15 later reopened after full compliance with regulatory standards. He stressed that sanitising the health sector was critical to protecting residents from unqualified medical practitioners.

Speaking on emergency healthcare delivery, the Commissioner said ASEMSAS has provided free emergency transport to over 150 patients between May 2023 and December 2025. He explained that the responses covered obstetric and neonatal emergencies, trauma cases, acute medical conditions, as well as disaster related incidents such as road traffic accidents and building collapses.

Obidike noted that residents can access the emergency services through toll-free numbers 112, 5111, and 08002200008, supported by real-time ambulance tracking to improve response times and efficiency.

“Wherever you are in the State and there is an emergency, just call the number and help will come even to schools,” he said, citing a recent case where an ambulance responded to a distress call from a school in Awka.

He explained that ambulance transportation is completely free, while treatment within the first 24 hours is also free for patients unable to pay. He added that extensions are granted in specific clinical cases to ensure financial constraints do not prevent access to life-saving care.

The Commissioner revealed that the State Park has registered over 60 operational ambulances, up from an initial 10, with coverage across all 21 local government areas.

He also disclosed that 588 supplementary emergency transport units have shown interest in joining the system, including 315 tricycle ambulances for rural and maternal emergencies.

To further expand coverage, Obidike said seven boat ambulances have been integrated to serve riverine communities, ensuring equitable access to emergency care across urban, rural, and riverine areas.

He described ASEMSAS as a major breakthrough in Anambra’s healthcare delivery, adding that the system is fully integrated with public, private, and faith-based health facilities to strengthen referrals and prompt treatment.

“These emergency transport reforms complement broader health initiatives of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, including the introduction of free antenatal care and delivery services in all government health facilities since September 2023,” Obidike stated.