The Lagos State Ministry of Health has reiterated its commitment to improving pre-hospital emergency response services through strategic upgrades to the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS).

The ministry also called on residents to support its operations and reduce avoidable obstacles to life-saving interventions.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, disclosed this during a media engagement event tagged “LASAMBUS: Highlighting Impact, Improving and Sustaining Response,” held at the Conference Room of the Ministry.

The engagement brought beneficiaries and service users face-to-face with journalists to share life-saving experiences.

It also unveiled future-forward strategies to strengthen pre-hospital emergency care in the state.

In his presentation titled “Lagos State Pre-Hospital Emergency Care: The LASAMBUS Case Study – Past, Present and Future,” Dr. Ogboye described LASAMBUS as a critical pillar in Lagos’ emergency response architecture, saving thousands of lives through timely and professional medical intervention. 

“Emergency medical response is more than just transportation; it’s about stabilizing lives en route to definitive care,” Dr. Ogboye said.

He traced LASAMBUS' evolution from four Peugeot wagons in 2001 under then-Governor Bola Tinubu to its current structure boasting four operational bases, 36 ambulances daily, over 190 trained personnel, and specialized services including mobile ICU units and water ambulances.

Dr. Ogboye revealed that LASAMBUS responded to over 8,900 emergency calls in 2024 and has already handled nearly 3,000 cases 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 said.

He added that the government is introducing new solutions to address challenges such as traffic delays, vague location descriptions, crowd interference, and ambulance vandalism. Planned innovations include the deployment of 10 motorcycle ambulances, a first responder volunteer scheme, and the rejig of water ambulances for riverine communities.

In her remarks, the Director of LASAMBUS, Mrs. Beatrice Makinde, explained that many of the delays reported by the public stem from road network issues and miscommunication. “Sometimes, callers provide vague or incorrect directions, which takes us longer to reach the scene,” she said. 

He also said there was a need for people to create space for emergency responders.

“Crowd behaviour is also a problem. People gather instead of helping to create access for responders,” Makinde said.

The LASAMBUS boss said that the agency remains committed to its core mandate despite these constraints.

Beneficiaries who have used LASAMBUS services shared their experiences during the session.

Mr. Adebayo Akinola narrated how LASAMBUS rescued his uncle 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 Adeyinka, a Director in Education District I testimony's was deeply personal. She recounted how a young boy was hit by her car on Agege Bridge went into a coma. 

“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, visibly moved.

Mr. Akintayo Moshood, another beneficiary, said he painted the LASAMBUS ambulance wall in Agege out of gratitude. “I fainted from a fall. They rescued me, treated me with dignity, and didn’t even know who I was,” he recalled. “I wanted to do something—anything-to say thank you.”

In a 2 a.m. emergency, Sulaimon Olanrewaju found himself struggling to breathe. “We couldn’t find a car. Then we called 767. Within five minutes, LASAMBUS arrived. That was my first time using an emergency line. They saved my life,” he shared emotionally.

Morufu Muriana Ademola, a spare parts dealer from Ibadan, narrated how a tragic motor accident in Lagos nearly claimed his life. “My intestines were out. I was unconscious for months. I’m alive because LASAMBUS intervened,” he said. “I’m not even a Lagosian, yet I received help.”

The event concluded with expressions of gratitude to the State Government and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for prioritizing healthcare access and infrastructure, especially in emergency services. 

Dr. Ogboye said that the Governor’s support has been instrumental in building a responsive and professional ambulance system. 

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