By Daniel Tyokio
The President, Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ), Mr. Hassan Zaggi, has said that Nigerian doctors have the capacity to manage the Covid-19 pandemic effectively.
He stated this in an interview with journalists in Abuja, yesterday.
He called on the federal government to provide the enabling environment and the needed incentives for the medical experts in Nigeria to enable them put in their best.
He, however, advised the federal government to put on hold its plan to bring in a team of Chinese health experts to support Nigeria in the fight against the disease.
Nigeria, according to him, does not need foreign medical experts before it can overcome Covid-19 in the country.
“We appreciate China for accepting to come and support our effort in containing the Covid-19 in Nigeria.
“However, in my opinion, I don’t think we need them. As it is now, our health experts are not overwhelmed. They are doing well as far as I am concerned in handling the pandemic in Nigeria.
“Even though our confirmed Covid-19 cases are rising on a daily basis, however, when you also take a cursory look at the efforts of our medical experts, you will discover that they are doing well.
“Agreed that the Chinese doctors have gotten some experience in handling Covid-19 because it originated from them, however, Nigerian doctors are doing exceptionally well in managing the situation here.
“The only thing the Nigerian government needs to do is to provide the enabling environment for our medical and health professionals in the country.
“There should be incentives that will motivate them to put in their best.
“Considering the risk involved in managing the Covid-19, our medical experts should be given life insurance and good allowances bearing in mind that they are currently working 24/7.”
While commending well meaning Nigerians, corporate bodies including religious organisations for supporting the fight against Covid-19 , the ANHEJ President, however, called on the federal government to ensure that the funds are judiciously used.
“We, however, call on the Federal Government to ensure the judicious use of the funds. All avenue of wastages and misappropriation and even outright embezzlement should be blocked.
“State governments should also mobilise similar funds in their various states so that they can be fully prepared for any eventuality.
“States that are yet to record Covid-19 cases should tighten all loose areas and entry points and ensure that they sustain the tempo and continue to remain without a case. They should, however, prepare, in case the unexpected happens,” he said.
Mr. Zaggi further advised Nigerians to support all initiatives put forward by the governments at both the federal and states levels in an effort to halt the spread of the disease, reiterating that, “With our collective support and cooperation, very soon, Covid-19 will be a thing of the past.”
