Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki yesterday ordered the release of N100 million as first tranche payment for the procurement of four dialysis machines, ventilators, Personal Protective Equipment, drugs and other consumables required for the treatment of Lassa fever patients.
A statement signed by his media aid, Crusoe Osagie, said the decision followed report of rising number of Lassa fever patients brought from across the country to the Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) in the state, which is the only specialist facility for the treatment of the disease in West Africa.
The statement said the governor directed the commissioner for Health, Dr. David Osifo to deliver the equipment to the Irrua hospital within 24 hours.