The healthcare workers stationed at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Azare in Bauchi State, are expressing grave concerns for their safety. Even after two doctors have passed away due to exposure to Lassa Fever patients, these healthcare workers are still being required to operate without access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Journalist Fisayo Soyombo has reported that when these workers request PPE, their pleas are often declined, and they are expected to remain silent about this issue.
Tragically, two doctors at the institution lost their lives within three weeks of each other after being exposed to Lassa Fever patients. Nevertheless, despite these events, a COVID-19 isolation facility has been established at the same location, and the same personnel are being expected to treat Coronavirus patients, all while fearing for their safety.
Furthermore, the condition of the facility itself is severely lacking. Soyombo has shared images of the isolation center, emphasizing the dire situation. He points out that most healthcare workers are denied PPE when they request it before attending to patients. Despite the presence of the COVID-19 isolation center, the staff remain apprehensive and are aware that they are unlikely to receive the PPE they require, as the management expects them to remain silent about these concerns. The healthcare workers at FMC Azare are now appealing to the Federal Government for aid, insisting that they are not hesitant to treat COVID-19 patients, but they urgently require proper protective gear.