Nigerian doctors have opposed the country’s plan to invite a team of Chinese medical experts to assist in the battle against the Coronavirus. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has rejected the government’s decision, expressing disappointment and describing it as a misplaced priority.
The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, announced that an 18-member Chinese medical team would be arriving in Nigeria along with a shipment of medical supplies from China. However, the NMA President, Francis Faduyile, has criticized this move, stating that it is embarrassing for health workers who are already struggling to combat the pandemic under difficult working conditions.
The NMA has urged the government to reconsider its decision and instead focus on declaring a state of emergency in the health sector and improving the country’s healthcare institutions. Additionally, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), along with the NMA, has advised the government against inviting the Chinese medical team, emphasizing that Nigeria is effectively handling the crisis.
In response to the backlash, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Garba Abari, clarified that the Chinese medical team was intended to share their experiences and provide expert suggestions to the Nigerian medical teams, rather than take direct control of the fight against COVID-19 in the country.
The NMA has expressed concerns about the government’s failure to consult with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria before making the decision to invite foreign medical professionals. According to the NMA, the government should prioritize providing better welfare incentives and support for frontline medical personnel, as well as improving testing facilities and equipping more isolation centers in the country.
The NMA has vowed to review its participation in the fight against COVID-19 if the government proceeds with its plan to invite the Chinese medical team, highlighting the potential risks to the lives of its members. The association has called for the government to rescind its decision in the best interest of the country and has reiterated its commitment to supporting the efforts of frontline health workers in combating the pandemic.