The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has raised alarm that Very Important Persons (VIPs) are exposing doctors and health workers to coronavirus.
The NMA said as Nigeria hits the four-digit COVID-19 incidence figure, it is sending an appeal to all Nigerians to help save the lives of helathcare professionals.
In a memo signed by the Dr Francis Faduyile, NMA President, on 24 April, the medical body warned that more doctors and health workers could contract coronavirus if VIPs continue to reject isolation and treatment centres.
“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.
NMA noted that, “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 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,” NMA said.
