The Lagos State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has proposed establishing emergency response centres in every ward across the state, with each centre equipped with two ambulances, as part of his healthcare reform agenda ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Rhodes-Vivour unveiled the proposal on Friday, November 13, 2026, during the BusinessDay Policy Intervention Series Town Hall with the Organised Private Sector, where governorship candidates presented their plans for addressing challenges in Lagos.

He said the proposed centres would be linked to a data-driven emergency response system designed to help medical responders identify hospitals with available beds, equipment and the facilities required to treat patients before transporting them.

According to the ADC candidate, the arrangement would reduce delays caused by moving emergency patients from one hospital to another in search of available beds or appropriate medical services.

He explained that patients would first receive initial stabilisation before emergency responders coordinated their transfer to suitable healthcare facilities.

“Our focus is first to ensure that we have emergency response services in every ward with two ambulances tagged to that particular emergency response centre,” Rhodes-Vivour said.

He argued that a coordinated emergency response network would help address avoidable deaths associated with delays in accessing appropriate medical treatment.

Beyond emergency services, Rhodes-Vivour advocated greater investment in preventive healthcare, including routine medical screenings and community-based health initiatives.

He said early detection and treatment of illnesses would reduce pressure on public hospitals and lower the long-term cost of managing chronic diseases.

The ADC candidate also proposed expanding micro health insurance schemes to protect low-income earners from the financial difficulties associated with medical emergencies.

He maintained that strengthening preventive healthcare and improving access to treatment would contribute to better health outcomes and productivity.

Healthcare was among the major issues discussed at the town hall, with other governorship candidates also presenting proposals to improve medical services across Lagos.

The All Progressives Congress candidate, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, proposed expanding health insurance coverage through the state’s Ilera Eko scheme, upgrading primary healthcare centres and increasing hospital capacity.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate, Funso Doherty, advocated increased public spending on healthcare and education, alongside free maternal and child healthcare.

Other candidates also highlighted the need for better medical equipment, affordable medicines, improved working conditions for healthcare professionals and stronger primary healthcare services.

Rhodes-Vivour’s proposal comes amid continuing concerns about access to emergency medical services, hospital capacity and the availability of healthcare facilities across Lagos.

If implemented, the proposed ward-based centres would require substantial investment in ambulance procurement, medical equipment, staffing, maintenance, communication systems and coordination with hospitals.

The candidate has yet to provide a detailed cost estimate, implementation timetable or funding structure for establishing and operating the proposed centres.

His proposal is therefore a campaign commitment ahead of the 2027 election, rather than an existing government programme.