By Adesakin Adefemi
The Ogun State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (OGUN SEMSAS) has taken a decisive step to strengthen emergency care across Ogun State by educating Alternate‑Medicine Practitioners on the free Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) programme and the state’s free ambulance services.
The sensitization was conducted at the 2025 Annual Birth Attendants Conference organized by the Ogun State Alternate Medicines Board (OGAMB). Held on 10 December 2025 at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, the conference was themed “The Roles of Birth Attendants in Safe Deliveries.”
Dr Hassan Adelakun, Director of OGUN SEMSAS, was represented by Dr Olurunsogo Oyenekan, Head of Operations, who delivered a keynote lecture underscoring OGUN SEMSAS’s commitment to prioritizing medical and emergency services for Ogun residents.
Dr Oyenekan emphasized the importance of synergy between conventional and Alternate Medicines Practitioners in promoting safe delivery practices.
He urged Alternate‑Medicine Practitioners to call 0811 200 0033, the OGUN SEMSAS emergency number, whenever an emergency arises to access free ambulance and emergency medical services.
He also highlighted the Community‑Based First Responders programme, an Ogun State Government initiative implemented through the Ministry of Health, of which OGUN SEMSAS is a key department. The programme ensures rapid, free ambulance transport for pregnant women and neonatal emergencies to referral centres.
Dr Oyenekan added that a rebate system has been instituted for referrals from Alternate ‑Medicines practitioners to OGUN SEMSAS, aimed at saving the lives of mothers and children. He informed participants that a total of 1 000 OGUN SEMSAS stickers were distributed during the session. These stickers are to be affixed on clinic doors and ambulances, making it easier for communities to recognize and access the free emergency services.
He further noted that, starting in 2026, Alternate‑Medicines practitioners will have access to specially designed referral forms that facilitate seamless patient transfers to conventional health facilities, leveraging OGUN SEMSAS’s services.
Dr Kafayat Modupe Lawal, Executive Secretary of OGAMB, expressed her appreciation to OGUN SEMSAS for the impactful lecture and stakeholder engagement, noting that it will translate into saved lives. She commended Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun and Health Commissioner Dr Tomi Coker for placing the health of Ogun residents at the forefront of government priorities.
She described the OGAMB‑OGUN SEMSAS collaboration as a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the state.
The partnership is expected to make a significant contribution to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in Ogun State and to enhancing overall quality of care. By bridging alternate and conventional health systems, the initiative promises more efficient emergency response and better health outcomes for women and children across rural communities.
