The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has donated a state-of-the-art ambulance worth millions of naira to the Cross River State Government to enhance emergency medical services in the state.
The vehicle was received by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, at the General Hospital in Calabar. He described the donation as timely and essential for strengthening emergency response capabilities, particularly in rural areas.
“We sincerely appreciate His Excellency, the President, for initiating this intervention, which plays a vital role in extending essential services, especially in the health sector, to all Nigerians,” Ayuk said.
The ambulance will be stationed in the Calabar area, where it will primarily support emergency services in obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, and trauma care. However, Ayuk cautioned against any misuse of the vehicle for non-medical purposes, such as transporting the deceased or for commercial leasing.
“Ambulances are meant to save lives, not to carry the dead. We will not tolerate any misuse of this vehicle for burial ceremonies or for any other non-medical use,” he warned.
The commissioner also praised the partnership between the state government and its representative at the NDDC, noting that their consistent communication and collaboration have ensured the timely delivery of critical health interventions.
“This donation aligns perfectly with Governor Bassey Otu’s ‘People First’ agenda, which focuses on improving healthcare access for the poor and vulnerable,” Ayuk stated.
He further highlighted Cross River’s innovative approaches to healthcare, citing partnerships such as the collaboration with Zipline, a logistics company utilizing drone technology to deliver medical supplies to remote communities.
