Covid-19: NMA laments increased infections among health workers

BY Victoria Ogunrinde

The Nigerian Medical Association has decried the increase in the rate of COVID- 19 infections among health workers in Lagos state.

The Lagos state chairman and secretary of the association, Dr. Adetunji Adenekan and Dr. Ime Okon, in a joint statement on Thursday, advised doctors in the state to be more safety- conscious.

Part of the statement reads, “The events of the last few weeks have been quite unprecedented and very shocking within the medical community of our beloved state. There has been an increased rate of infections (morbidity) and deaths (mortality) of our most cherished members of the NMA, Lagos chapter.

“It is with a heavy heart that our most affectionate chairman on behalf of the state officers committee of the NMA, Lagos State, wishes to commiserate with the families of our members who have succumbed to the COVID-19 disease at this precarious time in Lagos State.

“We also emphasise the need for a very high index of suspicion among health care practitioners and providers, particularly during this unpredictable second wave in the state. Consider everyone as a suspected COVID-19 case, and ensure universal precautions always,”

Also, the association implored its members to continue to observe the non-pharmaceutical interventions and other preventive protocols of COVID-19 during the discharging their duties.

Furthermore, the Lagos NMA urged members of the public to strictly adhere to the basic COVID-19 infection, prevention and control guide of wearing of facemask in public places, avoid touching the mouth, eyes and nose with unclean hands.

“In the event of the experience of any COVID-19 related symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, anosmia, dysgeusia, malaise, breathlessness, do not keep to yourself, urgently seek medical attention,’’ they advised.