The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has revealed the outcomes of his meeting with the two Health Ministers in the country. This meeting was prompted by concerns raised by local medical practitioners and many Nigerians regarding the involvement of Chinese Doctors and Nurses in the management of COVID-19 in Nigeria.
Following the rejection of the Federal Government’s plan to invite an 18-member Chinese medical team by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Gbajabiamila met with the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanie, and the Minister of State for Health, Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora. He outlined the commitments extracted from them, indicating that the Doctors and Nurses will adhere to the quarantine protocol for 14 days upon their arrival in Nigeria. Furthermore, they emphasized that the medical personnel will not have any physical contact with patients and will adhere strictly to all relevant immigration laws regarding work permits.
This decision comes after the NMA President, Francis Faduyile, expressed disapproval of the move, denouncing it as a “misplaced priority and a thing of embarrassment to the membership of the Association and other health workers, who are giving their best in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic under deplorable working conditions.”
The Speaker’s disclosure seeks to address the concerns raised about the involvement of Chinese medical personnel in Nigeria’s fight against the deadly virus. This move aims to ensure the safety and well-being of both the medical team and the Nigerian population.