Fight against COVID-19 should be led by science and not emotion or personal sentiments
A non-governmental organization, Initiative for Grassroot Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA) has called on security agencies to investigate the security breach at the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja and bring those involved in this dastardly act to justice.
In a statement issued by the Executive Director of INGRA, Hamza Aliyu, in Lokoja on Thursday, the NGO called on Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to resolve all issues that led to this unfortunate situation at the health institution.
INGRA decried the worrisome attack on the medical centre by hoodlums on Wednesday and called on warring parties to cease fire.
“The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Lokoja has complimented the grossly inadequate health services available for the over 4 million citizens of the state. This role has been acknowledged by the State Government itself in all the other disease outbreaks that bedevil our state such as Lassa Fever, TB, HIV, etc. This relationship has over the years been fairly cordial and mutually respectful until recently.
“For whatever reason, the relationship has taken a dangerous turn for the worse with claims and counter claims between the State Government and the Centre on the modalities for implementing the fight against the COVID 19 pandemic in the state. It is sad that what began rather feebly as a misunderstanding of what should be done and when, has recently snowballed into a life threatening feud on the existence of COVID 19 in the state.
“This situation is needless and rather unfortunate, and with far reaching consequences for the poor and underserved citizens of Kogi State. This situation has culminated in the shameful and unfortunate events of Wednesday 1st July 2020, where people suspected to be hoodlums, made their way into the Medical Centre and unleashed mayhem on staffs and patients, which led to the closure of the Centre, with its attendant consequences for the masses.
“This is a dangerous situation for both the health workers and patients who are caught in the crossfire.
“Patients in the intensive care units of the Medical Centre have had to be discharged unexpectedly and caregivers forced to make emergency arrangements for their patients. Babies and Children in the Pediatric Emergency Units with life threatening conditions have been left with little or no alternative. This is dangerous for our people and our health system. With no better alternatives, citizens would be at the mercy of shylock private facilities that have no constitutional obligation for Universal Healthcare provision.
“In this COVID 19 situation, coupled with already existing Lassa Fever outbreak, this feud can only bring about death and misery for our people.
“We call on politicians to avoid playing politics with the lives of Kogi State Citizens. The fight against COVID-19 should be led by science and not emotion or personal sentiments.
“We call on His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, in spite of his personal beliefs about COVID-19, to immediately intervene in the matter with the aim of amicably resolving all issues that has led to this unfortunate situation. The lives of Kogi State Citizens, which he has always sought to protect, is greater than any individual or institution,” the statement read.
INGRA called on the personalities involved in the feud to sheath their swords and allow peace to reign.
