The Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA has condemned the growing practice of using ambulances to convey corpses within Abuja, describing it as “unethical and unacceptable.”
Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat HSES, of the FCTA, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, made this known while briefing journalists on Friday after the fifth meeting of the FCT Executive Committee, chaired by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Fasawe, who announced the ratification of a contract for the purchase of 12 brand-new, fully equipped ambulances, said the administration would soon begin the procurement of hearses dedicated solely to conveying dead bodies, to stop the misuse of medical emergency vehicles.
“In the FCT, we have zero tolerance for an ambulance to carry a corpse. It is not ethical because a living person will lie on that stretcher without decontamination. So, we are also looking into buying hearses in the next budget, specifically to carry dead bodies.”
The Health Secretary explained that the newly acquired ambulances, 12 units of Toyota Hiace Hiroof (2023–2024 models), are “specially fitted to international standards” and will soon be commissioned for use across the territory.
“For the first time in about nine years, FCT will get 12 brand-new special ambulances. These are state-of-the-art vehicles, each equipped with a Bluetooth system, airbags, keyless entry and advanced medical fittings. They have been delivered and will be commissioned soon,” she said.
(Vanguard)
