The National Ambulance Service (NAS) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that it failed or refused to provide an ambulance to transfer a newborn baby from Kukuom District Hospital to the Goaso Government Hospital, describing the allegations as false and misleading.
The clarification follows a viral video that sparked public outrage, alleging that the Service declined to release an ambulance for the emergency transfer because it lacked oxygen. According to the video, the supposed refusal forced health workers or relatives to transport the newborn to Goaso in a commercial taxi, raising concerns about emergency healthcare delivery and neonatal safety.
In a statement issued on Friday, February 6, 2026, the National Ambulance Service said its internal investigations contradict the claims made in the video. The Service explained that a fact-finding visit was conducted at the Kukuom District Hospital on February 5, 2026, during which hospital records and staff accounts were reviewed.
The NAS stated categorically that no formal or informal request was made to the Service for an ambulance to facilitate the transfer of the newborn.
“No request for an ambulance was made to the National Ambulance Service by the Kukuom Government Hospital for the referenced neonatal transfer,” the statement said.
According to the Service, because no request was received through its established dispatch system, it could not have refused assistance in the matter. The NAS therefore rejected the narrative suggesting negligence or lack of capacity on its part, stressing that it remains committed to responding promptly to emergency calls when notified.
While denying the allegation, the National Ambulance Service expressed grave concern over the reported decision to transport a newborn in a taxi. The Service described the action as unsafe and contrary to standard medical referral procedures, particularly for neonatal cases that often require specialised care, monitoring and life-support equipment during transit.
The NAS emphasised that neonates are among the most vulnerable patients and should only be transferred using appropriately equipped ambulances staffed by trained emergency medical personnel. Transporting a newborn in a non-medical vehicle, it noted, exposes the child to serious health risks, including temperature instability, respiratory complications and delayed emergency intervention.
The Service also used the opportunity to remind health facilities across the country of the need to strictly follow established emergency referral and dispatch protocols. It stressed that all requests for ambulance support must be formally communicated through the appropriate channels to ensure accountability, timely response and patient safety.
In recent years, the National Ambulance Service has expanded its fleet and operational coverage as part of broader efforts to strengthen emergency medical response nationwide. However, the Service has repeatedly urged health institutions and the general public to avoid bypassing official procedures, which can lead to confusion and misinformation during emergencies.
The incident has reignited public discussion around emergency healthcare delivery in rural and peri-urban communities, where delays in referrals and limited resources often place additional pressure on health workers and families. Health policy analysts say while misinformation should be addressed, the case also highlights the need for continuous training, clear communication and collaboration between hospitals and emergency response agencies.
The NAS concluded its statement by appealing to the public to verify information before sharing it online, warning that false claims can undermine confidence in critical public services and distract from genuine efforts to improve healthcare delivery.
Meanwhile, the Service reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, timely and professional emergency medical transport, especially for vulnerable patients such as newborns, and pledged to continue working with health facilities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Source: Africa Publicity
