By Desire Uzochukwu
The Federal Government has expanded the nationwide rollout of the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) with the deployment of new ambulances to selected health facilities in Bauchi State, alongside the commissioning of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facility at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH).
The interventions, unveiled by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, are part of the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), particularly Pillar 4, which focuses on strengthening the nation’s health security.
The newly deployed NEMSAS ambulances are expected to improve emergency referrals and access to timely care at Toro General Hospital, Gamawa Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Misau, ATBUTH and the Fistula Centre in Ningi. The Bauchi deployment is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing expansion of NEMSAS nationwide, following recent deployments in Plateau and Ogun States.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Pate stressed the importance of timely access to emergency medical care, particularly in communities where distance and limited referral capacity can delay life-saving interventions. He urged beneficiary institutions to ensure that the ambulances are properly utilised, maintained and fully integrated into existing referral systems.
The Minister also highlighted the Federal Government’s wider investments in Bauchi’s health sector, including the ongoing expansion of ATBUTH, the Federal Medical Centre in Misau and the North-East Vesicovaginal Fistula Centre in Ningi. He also noted the revitalisation of more than 100 primary healthcare centres through federal-state collaboration.
Earlier in 2026, the Federal Government deployed approximately ₦10 billion worth of medical equipment, medicines, ambulances and maternity kits to health facilities across Bauchi State, further strengthening the capacity of the state’s health system.
At ATBUTH, the newly commissioned CNG facility is intended to improve the efficiency and sustainability of energy use within the hospital and strengthen the infrastructure required to support uninterrupted healthcare delivery.
The ongoing expansion of ATBUTH is also expected to increase the hospital’s capacity to provide tertiary and specialised services. In addition, the Federal Government is investing in advanced diagnostic services and cancer care to expand access to specialised treatment within the state and reduce the need for patients to travel outside Bauchi for essential services.
Pate said the interventions reflect the administration’s commitment to translating health-sector policies into practical improvements in service delivery. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working with the Bauchi State Government, health institutions and other stakeholders to ensure that investments in emergency care, infrastructure and specialised services lead to improved access and better health outcomes for residents.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains committed to its mandate of saving lives, reducing physical and financial pain, and advancing health for all Nigerians.
