Copyright nigerianeye
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has condemned the practice of using ambulances to transport corpses in Abuja, labeling it “unethical and unacceptable.” Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, spoke out after the fifth FCT Executive Committee meeting, chaired by Minister Nyesom Wike. She announced that the FCTA plans to procure dedicated hearses in the upcoming budget to address the issue. “Using ambulances for corpses is unethical, as stretchers are not decontaminated before reuse by living patients,” Fasawe stated. She also revealed that the FCTA has approved a contract for 12 new, fully equipped Toyota Hiace ambulances (2023–2024 models), the first such acquisition in nearly a decade. These ambulances, which meet global standards, will soon be commissioned to improve emergency response times in Abuja, especially with recent road improvements reducing travel times significantly. “A 20-minute journey now takes five minutes, and with these ambulances, it could be just three,” Fasawe said. The FCTA is collaborating with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that the 112 emergency line connects callers directly to the nearest ambulance from FEMA, NEMSAS, or FCT Health Services, enhancing efficiency in emergency response. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
