Akwa Ibom govt outlaws use of ambulance in conveying corpses for burials
Akwa Ibom State Government says it has banned the use of ambulances to convey corpses for burial across the state, saying such an act poses a public health threat. It noted that corpses should only be conveyed by hearses for burials. Commissioner for Health, Ekem John, disclosed this while briefing newsmen during the monthly media […] Akwa Ibom govt outlaws use of ambulance in conveying corpses…
The Akwa Ibom State Government has enacted a new law prohibiting the use of ambulances for transporting corpses to burial sites. Health Commissioner Ekem John declared that such practice poses a significant public health risk. He emphasized that only hearses should be utilized for this purpose. The Commissioner spoke during a press briefing held by the Ministry of Information, alongside the Commissioner for Information, Hon.
Aniekan Umanah, and the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ekerete Udoh. The Health Commissioner described the new law as a pioneering move within the state's health sector. He warned that any ambulance, regardless of whether it is privately owned, state-owned, or mission-owned, found with corpses on board would be seized. This legislation is part of a broader initiative to modernize the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Service Ambulance System.
The Health Commissioner noted that since Governor Umo Eno took office, the state's ambulance operations have been brought in line with Western standards. Ambulances will no longer be present at burial sites. The law is clear-cut, prohibiting the use of any ambulance for the transportation of corpses. Both private, mission, and government-owned ambulances are subject to this regulation.
The Health Commissioner also announced that about nine bills related to hospital governance, public health security, HIV prevention, and standards regulation have been presented to the State House of Assembly for consideration. Upon enactment, these laws will empower the health regulatory agency to set minimum acceptable standards for all health facilities in the state.
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