Taraba Takes Healthcare to the Grassroots: 168 Ambulances Deployed Across the State

 

ABRAHAM MAINA JODA

19/06/2024

"I just read a news release about the Taraba state government's commendable decision to purchase 168 mobile ambulances, which will be distributed to all 168 wards across the state. This development is a welcome move, as it will bring healthcare closer to the people, improving health outcomes and reducing morbidity and mortality rates. The governor and his health sector advisers deserve applause for this initiative.

Providing ambulances for rural Taraba has numerous benefits, including timely medical attention, enhanced access to specialized care, reduced maternal and child mortality, improved road safety, and boosted community trust in the healthcare system. These ambulances will bridge the healthcare gap between rural and urban areas, respond to disasters, and provide valuable data for healthcare planning.

Recently, I engaged in discussions with fellow Taraba intellectuals on the Innovative Arena platform, where we highlighted the issue of multi-dimensional poverty. Access to healthcare is a significant factor in this index, and this development, combined with the government's efforts to subsidize education, will undoubtedly improve Taraba's ratings in the next poverty index publication.

Taraba's vast land mass makes these ambulances crucial for rural dwellers who require emergency specialized healthcare. They will now have access to specialist hospitals and general hospitals nearest to them, enabling quick consultations with consultants.

The government must ensure that those responsible for maintaining these ambulances are professionals who will not mismanage these medical assets. Consequences should be in place for any misuse or vandalism. I thank the governor for this gesture and urge him to continue improving the health sector and other areas of the state.

I also appeal to all Tarabans to protect these medical assets and ensure their efficient use in their communities. Let us develop a sense of duty to prevent vandalism and misuse of these ambulances, which are intended to benefit our communities."

ABRAHAM MAINA JODA IS A POLITICAL ANALYST AND RESEARCHER. 

HE WRITES FROM LAGOS. 

07038543606

abrahammainajoda@gmail.com