The Akwa Ibom State Government has banned the use of ambulances to transport corpses for burial anywhere in the state, saying the practice now violates state law.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John, announced the policy on Thursday during the monthly media briefing organised by the Ministry of Information in Uyo.

John said the ban is part of reforms under the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Service Ambulance System, which has now been established as a legal agency rather than operating solely as a government policy.

According to him, corpses must be transported in hearses, while any ambulance used for burial purposes, whether privately owned, mission-owned or government-operated, will be impounded.

“The law has criminalised and outlawed the use of ambulances to carry corpses. Ambulances are meant for emergency medical services, while corpses are carried by hearses,” the commissioner said.

He explained that using ambulances to transport corpses poses a public health risk and undermines the purpose of emergency medical services.

John warned that government officials have been empowered to intercept and seize ambulances found conveying corpses for burial.

The commissioner also disclosed that the state government has forwarded about nine health-related bills to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for consideration.

He said the proposed legislation covers hospital governance, public health security, HIV prevention and anti-discrimination, as well as public health standards and regulations.

According to John, once the regulatory bills become law, all health facilities operating in the state will be required to meet minimum standards before they can begin or continue operations.