By Bunmi Yekini
The Lagos State Ministry of Health has reiterated its commitment to improving emergency response services through strategic upgrades to the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), while appealing to the public to support its operations and eliminate obstacles to timely interventions.
Speaking during a media engagement tagged “LASAMBUS: Highlighting Impact, Improving and Sustaining Response,” held at the Ministry’s Conference Room, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, described LASAMBUS as a vital part of the state’s emergency medical response system.
“Emergency medical response is more than just transportation; it’s about stabilizing lives en route to definitive care,” Dr. Ogboye said.
He explained that LASAMBUS has evolved from four Peugeot wagons in 2001 under then-Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to a system that now includes four operational bases, 36 daily-running ambulances, over 190 trained personnel, and services such as mobile ICU units and water ambulances.
Dr. Ogboye disclosed that LASAMBUS responded to over 8,900 emergency calls in 2024 and nearly 3,000 so far in 2025. “We have consistently recorded extremely low mortality during transit, often just one case annually, which speaks to the clinical capability of our team,” he stated.
New strategies to improve service delivery, he noted, include the introduction of 10 motorcycle ambulances, a first responder volunteer scheme, and the revival of water ambulances for riverine communities. The government is also in talks with private helicopter providers to support potential air ambulance services.
“We have invested in digital communication upgrades, tracking systems, and modular ambulance deployment points across the state,” he added.
Dr. Ogboye urged residents to support the service by cooperating with emergency responders. “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.
He further revealed that in 2024, 60 percent of LASAMBUS emergencies involved trauma cases such as road traffic accidents and falls; 25 percent were medical emergencies like seizures and cardiac issues, while obstetric and public health emergencies accounted for 15 percent.
Director of LASAMBUS, Mrs. Beatrice Makinde, stated that delays are often due to inaccurate directions from callers or road congestion. “Sometimes, callers provide vague or incorrect directions, which takes us longer to reach the scene,” she said. “Crowd behaviour is also a problem. People gather instead of helping to create access for responders.”
She said the agency remains committed to saving lives despite the challenges. “We do not take this work lightly. Saving lives depends on minutes and every minute counts in emergency care. That’s why public understanding and courtesy are so important. We need every Lagosian to play their part,” she said.
Several beneficiaries of the LASAMBUS service shared personal testimonies during the event.
Mr. Adebayo Akinola said LASAMBUS saved his uncle’s life after an accident in Oshodi. “Their prompt response was the reason my uncle is still alive today,” he said. “We didn’t pay a kobo, yet we received world-class service.”
Omotayo Oluwakemi Adeyinka, a Director in Education District I, recounted how LASAMBUS helped a young boy who went into a coma after being hit by her car. “The private hospital couldn’t help. But LASAMBUS came, transferred him, and stayed until he was stabilized. I offered money, and they declined. It’s truly free!” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Akintayo Moshood, said he painted the LASAMBUS ambulance wall in Agege to show appreciation. “I fainted from a fall. They rescued me, treated me with dignity, and didn’t even know who I was,” he said.
Sulaimon Kabir Olanrewaju shared how LASAMBUS responded within five minutes after he called 767 during a breathing emergency at 2 a.m.
Morufu Muriana Ademola, a spare parts dealer from Ibadan, described how the service saved his life after a serious accident in Lagos. “My intestines were out. I was unconscious for months. I’m alive because LASAMBUS intervened. I’m not even a Lagosian, yet I received help,” he said.
Dr. Ogboye commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support in strengthening emergency services. “Our Governor’s vision for a safer Lagos is what makes this possible. Our task is to sustain and scale this vision,” he said.
He added that the Ministry would continue to invest in improving response efficiency and ensuring access to emergency care for all Lagos residents.