Asaba, Delta State – August 14, 2025 – Delta State has officially inaugurated its State Emergency Medical Treatment Committee (SEMTC) to improve emergency healthcare delivery and save more lives across the state. The event, held in Asaba, was attended by top government officials, healthcare leaders, and members of the press.
The committee will oversee the Delta State Emergency Ambulance Service (DELSEAS), ensuring that people in urgent need of medical help can get fast, coordinated, and professional care. This initiative aligns with the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) under the Federal Ministry of Health.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Chris Iwegbu, Director of Medical Services and Training, described the inauguration as a “historic occasion” and a “collective commitment to safeguarding lives.” He praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Commissioner for Health Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and the entire DELSEAS team for their dedication, saying the committee will be “the engine room” for effective emergency response in Delta State.
Dr. Philomena Okeowo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, called the event “a bold declaration to protect and preserve lives.” She said the committee would build a dependable system where “every second is valued, and every life is treasured.”
In his speech, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, Commissioner for Health, explained that the committee’s work is in line with the National Health Act (2014) and the Governor’s MORE Agenda. He said SEMTC’s job is to coordinate, monitor, and improve the efficiency of DELSEAS, with the ultimate goal of reducing preventable deaths.
Part of the plan includes expanding emergency medical services beyond the five pilot hospitals—Warri, Sapele, Agbor, Ughelli, and Asaba Specialist Hospital—to at least 25 secondary health facilities offering Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care (CEmONC).
The Terms of Reference for the SEMTC include:
- Providing quarterly performance reports to the State Oversight Committee and NEMSAS.
- Coordinating emergency medical services in the state.
- Accrediting Emergency Treatment Centers and Ambulance Service Providers.
- Ensuring quality, effective, and timely care.
- Holding monthly meetings.
The committee is chaired by Dr. Valentine Eziashi, a consultant orthopedic surgeon, who accepted the responsibility on behalf of all members. “Emergency situations don’t give warnings,” he said. “We will do our very best to prevent unnecessary deaths in Delta State.”
Other members include representatives from the State Blood Transfusion Service, Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Nigerian Police Force, Federal Fire Service, National Union of Road Transport Workers, and the Nigerian Union of Journalists.
With this new committee in place, Delta State aims to build a resilient, responsive, and equitable emergency medical system so that help is always within reach when it’s needed most.
