Doctors urge Bayelsa COVID-19 task force to make PPE prority

Odahiekwu Ogunde

Doctors handling coronavirus cases in Bayelsa State have appealed to the state Covid-19 Task Force to ensure adequate supply of Personal Protective Equipment.

They said the appeal became imperative as more than 20 doctors exposed to COVID-19 patients were already infected in Bayelsa.

President, Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa chapter, Dr Ebidimie-Divine Irole, made the appeal in an interview.

Irole said the appeal was predicated on the recent upsurge in the spread of the coronavirus infections in the state with more than 20 doctors already down with the infection.

He stated, “We are appealing for adequate supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from the government. We have some but what we have are not enough and our members who have contacts with COVID-19 patients are at great risks.

“As we speak, more than 20 doctors have tested positive and this calls for concerted efforts for the COVID-19 response team to see the issue of PPE as a priority.

“We also urge the stakeholders to join forces to strengthen the health sector and combat the pandemic. The frontline medical workers require support and motivation to boost their morale.

“We are still waiting for the implementation of the hazard allowance as announced by the Federal Government; we are very optimistic and hope that the state government extend the gesture to our counterparts at the state level.”

Speaking on the strike called off by the national leadership of resident doctors last Sunday, Irole said that they complied with the directive to resume work on Monday, adding that normalcy had returned to FMC Yenagoa.

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