Sapele Local Government Area, Delta State, yesterday moved to strengthen its grassroots healthcare system with the official activation of the Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) network.
The activation, hosted by the Council, was part of a statewide effort to boost emergency response, cut delays in medical evacuation, and save the lives of pregnant women, infants and vulnerable residents.
Executive Chairman of Sapele Local Government, Hon. Okakuorho Abeke Bright Afure, was represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Raymond Overah who was accompanied by the Supervisor for Health, Hon. Ese Koko, and the Supervisor for Works, Hon. Rex Ogbakpa.
Officials described the RESMAT system as a fully integrated emergency network built to ensure rapid response, smart coordination and seamless communication among drivers, supervisors, doctors and monitoring teams. With its rollout, health experts say maternal and child mortality rates are expected to drop significantly across the state.
Speakers also highlighted the strong involvement of community transport partners-cab drivers and tricycle operators – whose support remains crucial for quick movement during emergencies.
State RESMAT Coordinator, Dr. Gloria Mok, and SEMTC Chairman, Dr. Valentine Ezeozhi, led the technical team alongside the Local Government Emergency Unit headed by the ES/LIO.
RESMAT Supervisors from multiple LGAs were present, including:
Mr. Justus Elediwa (Ndokwa), Mrs. Onosole Aheriwa (Aniocha North), Mrs. Juliet Isikekpe (Aniocha North), Mrs. Agese Jenter (Ughelli North), Mr. Francis Adjekuko (Sapele), Mrs. Aboyowa Iribiri (M&E RESMAT), and Mrs. Ndemazia Ohtemor (Udu).
The ceremony echoed the project’s guiding message: “If e better for our patients, e go better for us… e go better for everybody.”
