By: Promise Dekoo
The Rivers State Emergency Service and Ambulance System (REMSAS) has commenced the rollout and activation of marine emergency services.
The event took place on Thursday, 12th February, 2026 at Tuorist Beach in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event was the immediate past Ccommissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh represented by Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health Dr. Justina Jumbo said
The deployment of the Boat ambulances is a practical and strategic solution designed to bridge the emergency services delivery gap especially in coastal areas and ensure that geography no longer determines survival.
She also said the rollout underscores Governor Siminalay Fubara’s commitment to equitable healthcare delivery in the state.
”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,” she said.
Dr. Ayo Ipimoyu, the Vice Chair man, Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism, who spoke on behalf of partners commended the Rivers State Government for taking the lead in provision of emergency marine services.
He described the initiative as a significant step toward ensuring equitable access to health services, particularly for people living in remote areas who often face barriers to timely medical attention.
Ipinmoye stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among government agencies, community leaders, development partners, and healthcare professionals to sustain improved healthcare delivery.
For his part, Executive Secretary, Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Dr. Chituru Adele said the event is a significant milestone in Fubara’s administration in provision of healthcare delivery in the state.
”We are here to commission the Marine Ambulance system for our state and this is a very important milestone in the commitment of the government headed by the Governor Siminalayi Fubara in provision of emergency healthcare to our state.
”This has started with two boats which are fully equipped with life saving emergency equipment including oxygen and all the tools you need and most importantly a team of very well licenced and trained paremedics,” he added.
