The National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) has announced bold reforms to Nigeria’s emergency healthcare system, promising free emergency care for vulnerable patients, faster claims reimbursement for hospitals, and closer collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory EMS (FCT-EMSAS), the National Hospital Abuja, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, NEMSAS National Programme Manager, Dr. Doubra Emuren, revealed that vulnerable Nigerians—including unconscious patients, unidentified victims, and those brought in by concerned citizens—will receive free emergency treatment for the first 48 hours at facilities like the National Hospital Abuja and FMC Jabi.
Ambulance services can also be accessed at no cost through the 112 emergency number.
To address delays in hospital reimbursements, NEMSAS is rolling out a digital claims management system, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Claims will now be submitted monthly, verified digitally, and paid by the second week of the following month, cutting errors and fraud while improving efficiency.
Dr. Emuren also disclosed that the National Hospital Abuja will serve as a major training hub for emergency responders nationwide, part of wider reforms to reduce preventable deaths from accidents, trauma, and other emergencies.
Reminiscing on the importance of collaboration, Dr. Isiaka Lawal, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at the National Hospital Abuja, said, “Stronger alignment among NEMSAS, FCT EMS, FRSC, and hospital emergency units will save lives and improve patient outcomes.
“Fast and predictable claims payments are essential for sustaining these services.”
The high-level meeting also reviewed ambulance tariffs, hospital emergency committees, and national standards for emergency care, marking a major step toward fully integrating the National Hospital Abuja into Nigeria’s national emergency medical response network.