An Enugu-based company, Golden Royal, has donated a 600-bed facility to the African Development Institute of Research Methodology, ADIRM for use in case of outbreak of COVID-19 in Nigeria.
The Director of the institute, Prof. Ike Oluka, made this known during the final round of training organised by the institute for health personnel and other volunteers who would work as emergency response team.
Oluka explained that the facility, which is fully air conditioned, would give comfort to any victim of the virus, adding that the government alone cannot be allowed to fight the scourge of COVID-19.
“We decided to establish this emergency response team in order to help both the state and the federal government fight the virus and ensure that it does not escalate,” he said.
Oluka stated that members of the response team, numbering 150, have been successfully trained and have been sent out to create awareness and sensitize the public on what to do to prevent the spread of virus.
“Part of what we are doing is going round different communities and sensitize the people on how best to stay safe at this critical time.
“We have also drawn together doctors and nurses from private hospitals across the state who would also help us in talking to people within this period,” he said.
He noted that other companies have contributed different materials, calling on the general public to make donations in order to help fight the virus.
Oluka said the research institute, whose membership includes notable academics and practicing health professionals, both within and outside the country, was determined to ensure that the COVID-19 outbreak is effectively tackled in the country.