COVID-19: Lock down Ogun now, NMA tells Abiodun

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ogun state on Thursday asked Governor Dapo Abiodun to lockdown the state for at least two weeks in view of the increasing coronavirus (COVID-19) cases across the country.

The Chairman of the association, Dr Ismail Lawal, who addressed journalists at the NMA House in Abeokuta, said the lockdown would allow the government and health officials track down some undetected cases in the state.

Lawal submitted that the number of coronavirus patients and the contacts so far identified in the state “are just infraction of cases” lurking around in the state.

The medical expert insisted that in view of the emergency in the health sector, the lockdown has become necessary, saying its advantage outweighs the disadvantage.

“There should be total lock down of the state with enforcement for two weeks. NMA is aware of the enormous economic impact and burden this will have on the citizens.

“This is also important to reduce further transmission of the virus, effective management of limited resources and quick identification of the infected cases with their contacts.

“The government should work out modalities to work with the Private hospitals as this is usually the first point of call for many people especially the well to do.

“The Government should ensure to carry along all stakeholders in the healthcare system in whatever activities and policy for us to be on the same page,” he said.

He asked the state government to brace up in the provision of medical equipment like ventilators and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) in order to combat cases.

The NMA Chairman also urged the government to provide necessary protective equipment for the medical workers in order not to endanger their lives.

Lawal called on philanthropists and organizations to lend helping hands to the government to enable it battle the virus to a standstill.

The Chairman while urging government not to relent on sensitisation campaign, hinted the NMA had recently trained 6,000 teachers as part of moves to take COVID-19 campaign to the grassroots.