Dr Titus Dajel, the Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Plateau chapter, has stressed the need for government at all levels
to scale up preparations and precautionary measures toward tackling health emergencies, especially the current coronavirus (Covid-19) which surfaced in China
in December 2019.
The chairman disclosed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Jos.
NAN reports that the chairman’s response followed the spread of the Coronavirus disease to other parts of the world, saying that
government and stakeholders must work toward taking necessary measures and putting facilities in place to handle the epidemic, should it surface in the country.
He said “Coronaviruses are zoonotic, which means they are transmitted between animals and people.
“Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
“In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
“Government needs to be on its toes because the disease seems to be spreading fast and people are travelling. There is the need to educate citizens on
best practices and the need for good hygiene.
“This is because Nigeria is also tackling the Lassa fever disease and people need to get it right on what to do and what to avoid.”
The chairman, who expressed concern over the condition of some health facilities in the country, urged government to implement the World Health
Organisation (WHO) standard of allocating 15 per cent of a country’s budget to the health sector for optimal result.
He said the lack of equipment in some hospitals and health centres discouraged health workers from treating patients.
NAN reports that findings indicate that more than 2,000 persons have died in China alone following the outbreak of the coronavirus. (NAN)
