By John Ikani
Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Ehanire Osagie has said the country is currently experiencing a third wave of COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Osagie who stated this at the press briefing of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, called for state participation in sample collection, reporting, and treatment of cases. According to him, only 17 states made data or sample submissions in the last cycle.
The minister said; “All data indicate that we are now no doubt in the third wave of resurgence of the SARS-COV-2 infection, which we saw coming long ago.
“I wish to use the opportunity to again solicit more participation of our states in the roles they have to play, at this very trying time, in sample collection, preparing Isolation and treatment centers and providing logistics for movement of commodities and patients and reporting to the various COVID-19 pillars.
“Only 17 states made data or sample submissions in the last cycle, where Lagos and Akwa Ibom States were the epicenters.
“The federal ministry of health is engaging resident doctors who have embarked on industrial action with a view to quickly resolving the issues. While this is ongoing, medical directors at federal and state hospitals are directed to ensure that service delivery is not disrupted in their centres.”
Mr Ehanire further stated that they are ready to receive cases in the face of the third wave threat, adding that there are available beds and oxygen supply at treatment centers.
The minister who urged Nigerians to improve on the observance of precautionary measures and report any feeling of unwellness to the nearby COVID-19 centre, revealed that most of the deaths recorded were from people who didn’t get vaccinated.
He also announced that they are engaging resident doctors to call off the strike, but will ensure treatment of patients is not disrupted by their absence.
