Wike bans use of ambulances for transporting corpses in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has condemned the growing practice of using ambulances to transport corpses in Abuja, describing it as “unethical and unacceptable.”

Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, disclosed this on Friday while addressing journalists after the fifth meeting of the FCT Executive Committee, presided over by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Fasawe revealed that the administration has approved the purchase of 12 brand-new, fully equipped ambulances and plans to acquire special hearses solely for transporting dead bodies, to prevent the misuse of emergency medical vehicles.

“In the FCT, we have zero tolerance for ambulances carrying corpses. It is not ethical because a living patient may lie on that stretcher without proper decontamination. That is why we are also considering buying hearses in the next budget specifically for transporting dead bodies,” she said.

The newly acquired ambulances — 12 units of the Toyota Hiace HiRoof (2023/2024 models) — are “specially fitted to international standards” and will soon be deployed across the territory.

“For the first time in about nine years, the FCT will receive 12 brand-new special ambulances. These are state-of-the-art vehicles, each equipped with Bluetooth systems, airbags, keyless entry, and advanced medical fittings. They have been delivered and will be commissioned soon,” Fasawe stated.

She added that the new ambulances will greatly enhance the FCT’s emergency response system, particularly with the improved road networks that allow quicker access to outlying areas.

“A journey that used to take 20 minutes now takes five. With these ambulances, it may take just three minutes to reach a patient in need. This is another example of how the FCT system is working efficiently under the current administration,” she said.

Fasawe also reminded residents that the national emergency number, 112, is active and can be used to request medical assistance in Abuja.

“We are in direct communication with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The 112 number works now. Once we complete our ambulance command base, calls to 112 will be patched directly to the nearest available ambulance, whether from FEMA, NEMSAS, or the FCT Health Services,” she explained.