Rivers Launches Marine Emergency Service to Reach Riverine Communities

In a move aimed at closing the healthcare access gap in riverine areas, the Rivers State Government has activated its Marine Emergency Services under the Rivers State Emergency Services and Ambulance System (REMSAS), deploying boat ambulances to serve hard-to-reach communities.

The rollout ceremony, held at the Port Harcourt Tourist Beach, marked what officials described as a strategic expansion of the state’s emergency medical response framework.
The initiative is designed to ensure that residents in coastal and riverine settlements can receive timely medical attention regardless of terrain or distance.

Representing the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Justina Jumbo, said the service addresses long-standing barriers that have hindered rapid response in remote parts of the state.

She explained that difficult waterways and isolated settlements have often delayed urgent medical interventions, sometimes with fatal consequences. According to her, the introduction of boat ambulances is intended to change that narrative by taking emergency care directly to communities previously underserved.

Dr. Jumbo stated that the programme reflects the government’s broader commitment to inclusive healthcare delivery, stressing that access to emergency services should not be determined by geography. She described the activation as a practical demonstration of the state’s resolve to improve response times and strengthen lifesaving systems.

Also speaking, a representative of the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Ayo Ipinmoye, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support for initiatives that enhance emergency preparedness and healthcare access. He called for sustained collaboration between federal and state authorities to build a more resilient emergency medical system nationwide.

The event attracted stakeholders from the health and emergency management sectors and featured a live demonstration of the marine ambulance operations, signaling the operational readiness of the service.

With the launch of the marine unit, the Rivers State Government is positioning REMSAS as a more comprehensive emergency response structure, extending critical care services across both land and waterways.