The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has raised alarm over the attitude of some Nigerian elites who they claim are spreading the coronavirus to medical doctors in their bid to avoid isolation centres.
The Association revealed all their members who are working at the isolation centres are free from the disease, but they were infected by the group of Nigerian elites who avoid the Isolation centres and opt for private treatment at private hospitals, saying many doctors started treating some ailments which were later found out to be coronavirus.
The NMA revealed that as at present, over 40 of its health workers have been infected with the coronavirus in the country.
The association said so far three doctors and a nurse have so far lost their lives in their line of duties while appealing to Nigerians to help save the lives of healthcare professionals.
The appeal was contained in a joint statement signed by the NMA President, Dr Francis Faduyile and the Secretary-General, Dr Olumuyiwa Odusote, respectively on Friday.
The NMA revealed its appeal as there has been sharp rising in the cases of the coronavirus.
The NMA appealed titled;
“As Nigeria hits the 4-Digit COVID-19 Incidence Figure: An Appeal to all Nigerians to help save the lives of Healthcare Professionals.”
The statement partly reads, “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.”
The statement added, ”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, 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!”
