Revolutionizing Emergency Maternal Transfer: The Benefits of Electrical Mini Ambulances (Published)
Maternal mortality remains a pressing challenge in Nigeria, driven largely by preventable delays in accessing emergency obstetric care. The “second delay”is the inability to reach healthcare facilities promptly during complications remains a critical barrier, particularly in rural and congested urban settings. This paper explores the revolutionary role of Electrical Mini Ambulances (e-MAs) in transforming maternal emergency transport systems across Nigeria. Designed as compact, battery-powered vehicles, e-MAs provide fast, flexible, and sustainable mobility solutions capable of navigating narrow roads, poor terrains, and high-traffic zones that hinder conventional ambulances. Beyond cost efficiency and environmental sustainability, e-MAs are equipped with essential life-saving tools such as oxygen concentrators, defibrillators, and telemedicine features, enabling stabilisation before hospital arrival. Drawing from global best practices in Rwanda, Kenya, and India, the study highlights how e-MAs effectively reduce referral delays and improve maternal and neonatal survival rates. With appropriate policy integration, nurse-led operation, and community engagement, e-MAs have the potential to revolutionise Nigeria’s maternal and child health system. Their scalability, affordability, and adaptability position them as a viable innovation for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.1 reducing maternal mortality to fewer than 70 per 100,000 live births.
Keywords: Maternal Health, electrical mini ambulance, emergency transport, sustainable healthcare, three delays model