In a significant move aimed at enhancing public health standards, the Akwa Ibom State Government has officially banned the use of ambulances for transporting corpses to burial sites. The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, during a media briefing held on Thursday.

Dr. John emphasized that the new regulation, which applies to all ambulances—whether they are privately owned, state-operated, or run by religious organizations—mandates that corpses must be transported exclusively in hearses. He stated that any ambulance found violating this directive will be impounded by government officials. "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," he noted.

This reform is part of a broader initiative under Governor Umo Eno's administration, which aims to elevate the standards of health services in Akwa Ibom to align with practices observed in more developed regions. Dr. John described the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Service Ambulance System as one of the most ambitious reforms in the state's health sector.

The Commissioner also revealed that approximately nine bills have been forwarded to the State House of Assembly for consideration, covering various aspects of public health, including hospital governance, HIV prevention, and public health standards. Once these bills are enacted, they will empower relevant agencies to enforce minimum operational standards for health facilities across the state.

The government's decision to outlaw the use of ambulances for corpse transport reflects a growing concern over public health safety and the need for regulated practices in the state’s healthcare system. The new law aims to ensure that the dignity of the deceased is maintained while safeguarding the health of the living.

As the state moves forward with these reforms, officials are urging the public to adhere to the new regulations and to be aware that any ambulance hired for transporting a corpse can be intercepted on the road. The Akwa Ibom State Government is committed to improving health services and ensuring that public health standards are upheld across the region.