By Segun Adewale, Gombe
The Gombe State Government has launched the State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Scheme, SEMSAS, to provide residents with 48 hours of free medical treatment for all emergency cases.
The scheme, officially inaugurated on Monday, 6 October, 2025, in Gombe by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, is designed to strengthen emergency healthcare delivery and ensure that no resident is denied urgent medical attention due to financial constraints.
Dr. Dahiru explained that Gombe SEMSAS was detached in 2024 under the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Scheme, NEMSAS, and has since recorded progress in emergency care coordination.
He noted that the state is also implementing the Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transport initiative, RESMAT, which offers free transport for pregnant women in rural areas to the nearest health facilities.
The Project Coordinator of SEMSAS, Dr. Suraj, announced that while the state’s emergency hotline “112” is being finalized, residents can report emergencies through the GoHealth 24/7 Call Centre, which will coordinate calls and dispatch response teams.
Also speaking, Dr. Suraj Kwami cautioned emergency drivers and personnel to maintain professionalism and use official vehicles strictly for service delivery.
Community leaders and health stakeholders commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for what they described as a landmark initiative that bridges the gap between emergency response and hospital care, especially for people in rural and low-income communities.
The event was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor and other senior government officials.
