Nigeria’s VIPs infecting Doctors with coronavirus – NMA cries out

The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has lamented that Doctors are being infected with coronavirus by Nigeria’s elite in private hospitals. They claim those elites have refused to use government approved designated centres meant for treatment of infected patients

The Association said apart from the fact that 40 medical personnel have tested positive for coronavirus, three Doctors and a Nurse have so far died in the course of their duties

In a statement signed by NMA President, Dr. Francis Faduyile and the Secretary General, Dr. Olumuyiwa Odusote, on Friday, the Association said that “none of the infected healthcare workers or those who died contracted the disease at an Isolation and Treatment Centre, but in general public and private health facilities while treating patients many of whom refused to disclose important medical/travel information that would have increased the suspicion and facilitate early diagnosis of COVID-19 infection.”

”At the end of today given the trend of reports of positive COVID-19 cases by the NCDC, the country will definitely hit the 1000th figure.

“So far, over 40 doctors and other healthcare workers have tested positive with three doctors and one nurse paying the ultimate price.

“This very disturbing and unsettling development comes against the unfolding scenario as reported in the media that some VIPs in the society are refusing to report to and be admitted at Isolation and Treatment centres for treatment, rather, prefer to stay at other non-accredited facilities.

“The Association perceives that by continued refusal to adhere to instructions, some citizens have vowed to make healthcare workers very vulnerable to contracting the disease.

“NMA wishes to reiterate that none of the infected healthcare workers or those that died contracted the disease at an Isolation and Treatment Centre, but in general public and private health facilities while treating patients many of whom refused to disclose important medical/travel information that would have increased the suspicion and facilitate early diagnosis of COVID-19 infection.

“NMA, therefore, appeals once again to the government to expedite action on distributing PPEs to public and private hospitals without delay. We also remind our members all over the federation to consider everybody presenting at the hospital for any ailment as potential COVID-19 patient until proved otherwise. Our lives also matter!”

Notable among public figures that have been infected in Nigeria with the virus include Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El Rufai, Oyo State Governor Mr Seyi Makinde, and Bauchi State Governor. Most recently, Malam Abba Kyari the late Chief of Staff to President Muhammdu Buhari died from the virus.