The Federal Government on Thursday in Abuja distributed COVID-19 test kits and other medical equipment to some health institutions across the six geo-political zones.
This is as the Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), Alhaji Bello Maigari, whose agency sponsored the programme, said that following the post traumatic impact and mental disorders faced by patients of Coronavirus, the agency is setting up a Psycho-social treatment centres on outposts to deal with these challenges.
He said this during the official commissioning and presentation of COVID-19 test kits, infrared thermometer, Aran-Rava (N95 face mask) and category 1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE kits) to the beneficiaries.
Magair said the NLTF was embarking on the project in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter governmental Affairs as well a non-governmental organisation (NGO).
According to him, the over 40 interventions of the trust fund in health sector in the last few month is commendable and that the lottery industry is driven by both entertainment and the desire to make the world a better place through contributions to good causes.
He also commended the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, for granting them the approvals to exercise their statutory mandate under the National Lottery Act 2005, which enabled the procurement of the medical facilities.
“Today’s exercise is a shining example of how we communicate this important message to our stakeholders, the general public and consumers of responsible lottery products.
“The event also celebrates our beneficiaries to whom these vital facilities are given, and illustrates how good causes are served in the most innovative way helping to promote access to quality healthcare in the country,” Maigari said.
He said that the agency has already put in place a robust and comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation system to help NLTF track the progress of its intervention programmes, especially the utilization of the medical equipment to ensure that the project outcomes are delivered and the benefits continue to accrue to Nigerians.
Also, the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, commended the management of the NLTF for their sense of involvement and commitment to good causes.
Akume said, “Despite the COVID-19 outbreak since March and the negative impact on the economy, the fund has remained resolute in funding meagre income available to it.
“It is on record that the agency has improved oved 40 health-care centres across the country within the last two years putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians. The fund has also extended this gesture to the fight against Corona virus pandemic. As we were told, each time a medical equipment is donated, it helps doctors in making incremental and steady progress and breakthroughs towards efficient service delivery.
“The first successful separation of conjoined twins in Nigeria conducted by the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yola a few months ago is partly attributed to the world class radiology equipment donated to the hospital by the National Lottery Trust Fund.
