By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA , today warned of a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country as Nigerians show flagrant disregard for Federal Government’s prevention protocols.
The NMA President Professor Innocent Ujah at a press conference today in Abuja on the communique issued at the Awka , Anambra State NEC meeting today in Abuja said that the second wave of the pandemic is coming as a result of disregard for non pharmaceutical prevention protocols warning efforts of containment of the scourge.
The association appealed to Nigerians to take the COVID-19 prevention advisories very seriously in order to interrupt the transmission and reduce the I’ll health and deaths from the dreaded disease.” The strict adherence to the NCDC Protocol of use of face mask , regular hand washing and use of sanitizers and social as well as physical distancing is very strongly advocated. Non essential travels should not be embarked upon especially during this Yuletide season and beyond.”
The NMA said it is also worried over the brain drain by Frontline health workers at this critical time. The association bemoaned the incessant spate of emigration of highly trained Nigerian doctors and other health care professionals to greener pastures ( brain drain) at a time when their services are critically needed in Nigeria, observing further that efforts at engaging these Nationals have not yielded results.”
The NMA further lamented the continual practice of medical tourism by privileged Nigerians and urged the Federal Government to establish the National Health Bank to help fast – track the infrastructure, procurement of the state of the equipment that will provide world class health care for Nigerians and reverse medical tourism.
