Akwa Ibom Outlaws Ambulances for Corpse Transport, Cites Public Health Threat

Akwa Ibom State authorities have now prohibited the use of ambulances for transporting deceased persons for burial across the state. This significant policy shift was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, during a press briefing held on Thursday. The briefing, a regular monthly event by the Ministry of Information, saw Dr. John accompanied by Information Commissioner Hon. Aniekan Umana and the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh. He characterized this new legislation as a pioneering move within the state's health sector.

Dr. John emphasized that hearses are the appropriate vehicles for conveying corpses, issuing a stern caution that any ambulance—be it privately owned, state-operated, or managed by a religious mission—found transporting deceased individuals for burial would face impoundment. He stated, “His Excellency has now institutionalised Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Service Ambulance System, which is one of the most audacious introductions in the health sector in the state. It started as a policy but it is now an agency established by law. Through this law, the state government has now criminalised and outlawed the use of ambulances to carry corpses.”

The Commissioner further elaborated on the rationale behind this decision, highlighting that under Governor Umo Eno's reforms over the past eighteen months, the state's ambulance services have been elevated to international standards, mirroring those in Western nations. He stressed the public health implications, adding, “You will not find any government ambulance at any burial site. The law is very clear, whether it is a privately owned ambulance, mission ambulance or government ambulance, you cannot carry corpses. Corpses are carried by hearses and when you now use our ambulance to carry corpses, you are creating a public health threat to the rest of the public.”

Dr. John warned the public about the strict enforcement of this new regulation. “The law now empowers government officials to impound the ambulance. So, let people know that when they go to hire an ambulance for their burial, those ambulances can be intercepted on the road,” he stated. Additionally, the commissioner revealed that nine different bills are currently undergoing review at the State House of Assembly. These proposed legislations address crucial areas including hospital governance, public health security, HIV prevention, protection, and anti-discrimination measures, as well as broader public health standards and regulations.

He further explained that once the health standards regulatory bills are enacted into law, the relevant agency will gain the authority to stipulate minimum acceptable operational standards for all healthcare facilities within Akwa Ibom. This initiative aims to ensure that hospitals across the state fulfill specific mandatory requirements prior to commencing their services.