COVID-19: FG commences comprehensive review of health sector
The federal government has revealed that it has commenced a comprehensive review of the nation’s health sector in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said the government is building a new robust strategic action plan and structure that would address expected challenges of the imminent community transmission phase.
READ ALSO: COVID-19: StarTimes develops videos to curb fake news
Ehanire, who was speaking at the resumed press briefing of the Presidential Tasks Force on COVID-19 in Abuja, on Monday, however, disclosed that the outcomes will be made public in a few days.
The minister also revealed that the PTF is working for health workers who have been at the forefront since the outbreak of the pandemic.
“The PTF is working on compensation packages to recognize the sacrifices and to further motivate the brave healthcare workers, who directly take on the coronavirus challenge.
“It goes beyond the well-known group life insurance for public servants, the routine workmen’s compensation and health workers hazard allowance.
“Details of the new package will be made available later, but we must laud the offer of free life insurance for 5,000 health workers, donated by a private insurance company,” he said.
While disclosing that at least 11 COVID-19 functional laboratories have been established in Nigeria, the minister added that two new laboratories were activated in Kano and Jos.
“We have pre-positioned laboratory testing sample and collection kits nationwide.
“The Federal Ministry of Health through the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) continues to support response activities in states with new outbreaks, through timely deployment of rapid response teams,” the minister stated.
Ehanire urged members of the public to abide by federal government’s stay-at-home order.
Earlier, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman, PTF, Boss Mustapha said that the war against COVID-19 is still raging and that all hands must be on deck until victory is assured.
Mustapha, who said that the contributions of every Nigerian is invaluable, appealed to all Nigerians to remain calm, maintain personal hygiene, observe physical distancing and stay at home.
He commended the frontline heart workers who according to him have continued to sacrifice to ensure that the battle is won.
“Like other Nigerians, they have sacrificed their comfort at great personal risks to confront and manage this infectious disease.
“The nation appreciates you, the nation thanks you and the nation shall never forget you,” Mustapha added.
