The Enugu State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved N330m to prevent and/or tackle the scourge of Coronavirus – COVID-19 in the state in case of any outbreak.
Briefing newsmen after exco meeting on the level of preparedness in case of any emergency that may arise from the COVID-19 outbreak, the state medical team led by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeanyi Agujiobi, said the Council approved the immediate upgrade and relocation of the state Isolation Centre to ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu.
Dr. Agujiobi disclosed that the Council’s decision was based on the medical team’s recommendation and in line with the advice from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) that Isolation Centres are best located within the Specialist Hospitals of the states for prompt and effective emergency response.
Confirming the EXCO approvals, the Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, said the Council commended all medical staff in the state, especially the doctors in ESUT Teaching Hospital Parklane, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, World Health Organisation and UNICEF for their commitment and dedication to duty as well as resilience in the face of the current public health challenges “even at the risk of their health”. Aroh enjoined the medical staff to continue to avail all medical care seekers in the state their best care in this challenging period.
Also in his briefing, Dr. Agujiobi pointed out that the team requested for the procurement of full-fitted ambulances and incident vehicles to help respond to emergencies as they may arise, as well as release of funds for mass advocacy and enlightenment in every nook and cranny of the state, churches, markets and schools.