By: Felix Ikpotor
The Rivers State Government has launched a marine ambulance service aimed at improving emergency medical responses across riverine communities in the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, while speaking at the commissioning ceremony at the Tourist Beach Waterfront in Port Harcourt, described the initiative as a major milestone in strengthening emergency healthcare delivery across the state.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Prof. Justina Jumbo, the commissioner said the initiative reflects Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s commitment towards guaranteeing equitable healthcare access for all residents, regardless of location.
She noted that for many years, difficult terrains such as the riverine communities have posed a challenge to timely medical service delivery, stating that the deployment of the boats are practical steps towards solving the challenge.
Oreg said: “Today marks yet another significant step towards our shared commitment to strengthening emergency medical response services, particularly for our riverine and hard-to-reach communities.
“For years, difficult terrain and long distances have hindered timely access to medical care in coastal areas. For too long, distance and terrain have posed serious challenges in accessing timely medical care.
“The deployment of these boat ambulances is a practical and strategic solution designed to bridge that gap and ensure that geography no longer determines survival. It reinforces our collective resolve that no life should be lost simply because help could not arrive on time. “
The health commissioner stressed that the programme, driven through the Rivers State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (REMSAS), is not merely ceremonial, but a deliberate action to expand rapid, professional, and life-saving emergency services across land and water terrains in the state.
Oreh commended development partners, health professionals, and community stakeholders for their collaboration, urging the communities to take ownership of the project to ensure its sustainability.
“This achievement underscores what can be accomplished when institutions and communities work together with a common purpose.
“As we commission these boat ambulances today, let us also commit to sustaining, protecting, and effectively utilizing this intervention for the benefit of our people,” she added.
In his speech, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who was represented by Dr. Ayo Ipimoyu, First Vice Chairman of the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism, commended the Rivers State Government for prioritising last-mile healthcare delivery.
Pate, who represented other partners of the state Marine Emergency Services, said that health is fundamental to human existence and national development.
The minister observed that a key obstacle to achieving equitable healthcare delivery in the country is the challenge of providing services to residents of remote and underserved communities.
He further said Rivers State has set the pace in healthcare innovation and urged continued collaboration to strengthen the health system nationwide.
Pate noted that the marine ambulance initiative is expected to significantly reduce emergency response time and improve survival outcomes in coastal communities across Rivers State.
He said: “The most important attribute a person can have is health. After life itself, health comes next. What we are doing here today is truly significant.
“When we see a government like Rivers State making significant investments to reach those traditionally excluded from access to health, we say congratulations.
“The Federal Ministry of Health under Professor Pate is particularly enthused with transferring health back to the communities, back to the people, with the understanding that health is not wealth. “
