The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, has initiated discussions with European aerospace firm Airbus on the acquisition of emergency medical helicopters for Nigeria.

The talks, held in France, form part of a broader plan to establish a national ground-to-air emergency response system, following approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

During a visit to an air ambulance facility in Lyon, the minister inspected an Airbus emergency medical helicopter and outlined government plans to strengthen emergency healthcare services nationwide.

Pate said the initiative is aimed at expanding both public and private medical infrastructure, including improvements to emergency care delivery.

He explained that the proposed system would integrate helicopter emergency medical services with existing frameworks, supported by collaboration among the health sector, aviation authorities and the military.

According to him, the move would enhance rapid response to critical conditions such as trauma, heart attacks and strokes, particularly in underserved areas.

He added that the effort is part of ongoing reforms to upgrade the country’s healthcare system to meet global standards, noting that implementation would consider available capacity, personnel and sustainable financing models.

The minister said the development represents a step toward building a more responsive and efficient emergency medical system across the country.