NMA blame VIPs for 40 doctors’ infection with COVID-19

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The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Friday, pinned the blame of the medical personnel including forty doctors, who have contracted coronavirus on dignitaries battling the virus who preferred being treated at private hospitals or their residences.

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Recall that the Minister of FCT, Muhammad Bello, in a press statement released during the week called out VIP patients in Abuja saying most of them spurned Isolation centres and are putting the lives of their carers at risk.

NMA in a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr. Francis Faduyile and Secretary General, Dr. Olumuyiwa Odusote, said the affected medical workers would not have contracted the virus at isolation centre but in private hospital and while providing home service to dignitaries battling the disease.

“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 re-iterate 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 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!”

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