The Lagos State Government has announced a major upgrade to its emergency medical response system, including the introduction of motorbike and water ambulances to improve response time in hard-to-reach areas.
This was revealed on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, during a media engagement event titled “LASAMBUS: Highlighting Impact, Improving and Sustaining Response”, held in Alausa, Ikeja, where beneficiaries gave moving accounts of how the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) saved their lives and those of their loved ones.
Dr. Ogboye said the new expansion plans are part of the state’s strategy to address challenges hampering prompt emergency care delivery, such as traffic gridlock, poor descriptions of incident locations, crowd interference, and vandalism of ambulances.
He revealed that the state will deploy 10 motorcycle ambulances, revamp its water ambulance fleet for riverine communities, and engage private helicopter services for air medical evacuation in critical cases. “Emergency medical response is more than just transportation; it’s about stabilizing lives en route to definitive care,” Ogboye said.
He called on the public to support LASAMBUS operations by respecting emergency protocols. “Ambulance teams are not adversaries; they are your allies. When you see an ambulance, give way, whether it is empty or not. And stop vandalizing emergency vehicles, they are built to save lives,” he said.
Ogboye gave an overview of LASAMBUS’ evolution from four Peugeot wagons in 2001 under then-Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu to a service now boasting 36 ambulances across four operational bases, more than 190 trained personnel, and advanced mobile ICU capabilities.
In 2024 alone, LASAMBUS responded to over 8,900 emergency calls, and has already handled nearly 3,000 cases in the first half of 2025.
He noted that the agency has recorded “extremely low mortality in transit, often just one case annually,” which he attributed to the clinical expertise of its team.
The Permanent Secretary said 60 percent of the emergency calls handled in 2024 were trauma-related, road accidents, falls, and violence; 25 percent were medical emergencies such as cardiac arrests and seizures; and 15 percent involved obstetric and public health cases.
Director of LASAMBUS, Mrs. Beatrice Makinde, said poor road networks, vague caller directions, and unhelpful crowds often delay operations. “We sometimes spend valuable time trying to navigate through traffic or find a location because callers don’t give accurate directions,” she said. “People also tend to gather at scenes instead of clearing the way for responders.”
Makinde reiterated the agency’s commitment to its life-saving mission despite these challenges. “Every minute counts in emergency care. That’s why we need every Lagosian to understand that they have a role to play,” she said.
The event’s highlight came from firsthand testimonies by residents who shared their life-saving encounters with LASAMBUS.
Mr. Adebayo Akinola recounted how LASAMBUS rescued his uncle after a near-fatal accident in Oshodi. “Their quick arrival was the difference between life and death. We didn’t pay a kobo, yet we got professional service,” he said.
A Director in Education District I, Omotayo Adeyinka narrated how LASAMBUS stepped in when a boy went into a coma after being hit by her car. “The private hospital refused to treat him. LASAMBUS came, took over, stabilized him, and refused any money. I was amazed,” she said.
For Mr. Akintayo Moshood, LASAMBUS earned his loyalty after rescuing him from a fall. “I painted the ambulance base wall in Agege to show appreciation. They treated me like I mattered,” he said.
Another user, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, shared how he struggled to breathe around 2 a.m. and dialed 767. “LASAMBUS came in five minutes. That was my first time using the emergency line. I owe them my life,” he said emotionally.
A spare parts dealer from Ibadan, Morufu Ademola, said LASAMBUS saved his life after a grisly Lagos road accident left his intestines exposed. “I was unconscious for months. LASAMBUS got me help, and I’m still here. I’m not even from Lagos, but I was treated like one of theirs,” he said.
The media engagement also served to reinforce the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s healthcare system, especially in pre-hospital emergency services.
Dr. Ogboye credited Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision and political will for the strides made so far. “Our Governor’s support is why this system works. Now, we must do our part to sustain it and ensure every Lagosian has access to timely emergency care,” he said.
