The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Olusegun Ogboye, has revealed that ambulance workers across the state are routinely subjected to attacks by mentally unstable individuals, hoodlums, and miscreants while on emergency duties.
Dr Ogboye made this known during an interview, disclosing that the disturbing trend has forced the government to rethink the design and operation of ambulance points across Lagos.
“Ambulance workers have been assaulted by madmen and even thieves at designated emergency response points. During riots or public chaos, they are often targeted, probably because they are seen as government agents,” he said.
According to him, some ambulance points had to be shut down or redesigned after drivers and paramedics were repeatedly harassed, exposed to extreme heat, and even hit by vehicles while stationed on roadsides. “They are human beings, and their safety and comfort matter,” he added.
To tackle these challenges, Dr Ogboye said the state government has embarked on strategic infrastructure upgrades and operational reforms aimed at improving emergency medical services under the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS).
He disclosed that over the past three years, the government has procured at least 23 ambulances — 10 from the state, five from the Global Fund, and eight Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) ambulances — all fully equipped with defibrillators, monitors, ventilators, and oxygen supply systems.
Additionally, five new ambulance bases have been constructed — with four already operational in Eti-Osa, Ikorodu, LASUTH, and General Hospital Lagos, while one is nearing completion. A trauma centre has also been established at the newly designated Federal Medical Centre in Epe, and another one is underway at MCC Eti-Osa, supported by Access Bank.
“We also have 40 functional ambulances currently operating, and we’re expecting 10 motorcycle ambulances in the coming weeks. These bikes will help us beat traffic and reduce response time,” Ogboye said.
The permanent secretary affirmed that all LASAMBUS staff, including drivers and nurses, are certified and undergo regular training. “The nurses are trained in critical care, while all staff are up to date with certifications in basic and trauma care,” he noted.
To enhance coordination, communication systems in ambulances have been upgraded with repeaters installed across the state, allowing real-time interconnectivity between mobile units.
Dr Ogboye also disclosed that the state is in talks with local government councils to provide land for building permanent, safer ambulance shelters closer to communities. Kosofe Local Government has already responded positively, offering land near its secretariat.
“These shelters will serve as resting places for the personnel, shielding them from exposure and potential attacks while on standby,” he said.
Beyond operational improvements, Dr Ogboye lamented that ignorance among motorists remains a major obstacle during emergencies.
“Most Nigerians don’t give way to ambulances, but they clear the road when they hear police sirens with guns. People need to realise that an ambulance — even if empty — could be on a life-saving mission, either to pick up blood, a surgeon, or a critically ill person,” he stated.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Transportation has been engaged to permit ambulances to use BRT lanes, and public enlightenment campaigns are ongoing to educate citizens on emergency response ethics.
While acknowledging that response time has improved compared to 2018 and 2019, the state government is aiming for even faster service, especially for accident scenes and trauma cases.
“We’re building more ambulance points, deploying faster transport modes, and reviewing systems continuously to ensure Lagos residents get emergency care as quickly as possible,” Dr Ogboye concluded.
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