By GABRIEL OLAWALE

In a bid to address the incidence of obstetrical emergencies at the primary healthcare level in Lagos state and to ensure functional ambulance services, the Centre for Development and Population Activities, CEDPA, has recommended a merger of   the Lagos State Ambulance Services, LASAMBUS, and existing ambulance services at the Primary Health Care, PHC, level.

Making the recommendation during a two-day stakeholders meeting to address delays in referrals from the primary to the secondary health care level in the state, Programme Director, CEDPA, Dr. Irene Osoata disclosed that the result of their findings indicated the urgent need for the merger.

Osoata opined that a policy change harmonising services at the two levels in the area of coordination, maintenance and even the training of personnel would be overseen by one body, boosting service delivery and reducing maternal death on the long run.

“As of now, ambulance services at the PHC is under the control and care of the Local Government. We are not saying the State should take over. We are only saying there should be connection between the state government and the Local Government to maintain standard.

For instance, Alimosho LG has ambulances that are not up to standard like those under supervision of LASAMBUS. We are looking at LASAMBUS standard because that is only what can be compare with as at present. The essence of all this recommendation is the fact that Lagos State government is ready for change and all the stakeholder have decided to look into area where improvement is urgently needed.”

Osoata advocated a call center to be established at the PHC to act as the direct link to LASMBUS call centre at LASUTH. She noted that ambulance personnel required training in proper emergency obstetric skills, to help reduce number of referral cases.

The Chairman Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Babs Sagoe said the merger would be a political decision because the LGA is responsible for maintenance of ambulances at the PHC and only a policy change could alter the arrangement.