The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated talks with global aerospace company Airbus to procure emergency medical helicopters aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare response system.
The move is part of plans to operationalise the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), designed to improve rapid medical response across the country.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed this during an official visit to France, following approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to a statement from NEMSAS, discussions with Airbus are centred on building an Integrated Ground-to-Air Emergency Medical System.
The proposed framework will combine ambulance services, emergency communication systems, and air medical evacuation into a coordinated national response network.
Pate explained that the initiative is expected to significantly enhance emergency healthcare delivery, especially in remote and underserved communities.
The minister noted that deploying air ambulances would improve access to urgent medical care and reduce delays in transferring critically ill patients between facilities.
During the visit, Pate toured an Airbus-supported air ambulance facility in Lyon, where he inspected emergency helicopters used for medical evacuation.
He said the adoption of such systems in Nigeria would help address longstanding gaps in emergency response and reduce preventable deaths.
Nigeria has faced persistent challenges in emergency medical services, including inadequate ambulance coverage, poor coordination, and delays in patient referrals.
These issues have contributed to avoidable fatalities from road accidents, maternal health emergencies, and other critical conditions.
Stakeholders have repeatedly called for a comprehensive national system that integrates both ground and air emergency services to improve response efficiency.
Pate reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
He said the partnership with Airbus reflects broader reforms aimed at building a resilient and responsive healthcare system under the current administration.
The initiative is expected to boost healthcare access, improve survival rates in emergencies, and enhance overall public health outcomes.
