The Abia State Government has launched a Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transport System aimed at reducing maternal and newborn deaths across the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Enoch Uche, said the initiative, introduced under the directive of Governor Alex Otti, is designed to improve access to timely medical care for pregnant women and newborns.

He explained that delays in reaching healthcare facilities remain a major cause of maternal mortality, particularly in rural areas.

To address this, ambulances have been strategically deployed in high-risk local government areas, including Obingwa, Bende, and Ukwa East, with a target response time of 25 to 30 minutes.

The programme also includes trained emergency transport officers integrated into the national emergency response system to ensure swift handling of distress calls.

Enoch Uche added that alternative solutions, such as tricycle ambulances, are being introduced for hard-to-reach communities, alongside plans to deploy drones for medical supply delivery.

The initiative forms part of broader healthcare reforms focused on strengthening infrastructure, recruiting medical personnel, and improving service delivery across the state.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all residents, especially those in remote areas, have access to quality and timely healthcare services.