COVID-19 had positive impact on Nigeria’s healthcare system – Medical expert

The Chief Medical Director, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Prof Ememabasi Bassey says the outbreak of COVID-19 had some positive impacts on Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.

He noted that the lockdown which forestalled medical tourism had created room for the federal government to upgrade the medical infrastructure in the country.

In an interaction with newsmen in Uyo on Monday, the CMD noted that the federal government had released a sum of N859 million to the hospital to execute key COVID-19 intervention projects and programmes.

He said the money was meant to allow them function, adding that before COVID hospitals did not have relevant laboratories and equipment.

“Before COVID-19, we had one molecular laboratory for HIV and hepatitis and we cannot mix. The present federal government has invested in medical infrastructure than any other in the last couple of decades. It released funds to the hospital; opened a modular testing laboratory and other projects that could help in combating the virus.

“For the 10 bedded ICU, I had an ICU, but it was a bit of a sorry sight. we had to totally renovate the building and against 10, we ended up having a 16 bedded ICU. That ICU is the best in the South-South of this country.”

He said critical surgeries which were conducted outside the country have successfully been done in the country emphasising that Nigeria has qualified medical experts.

Also speaking, the Head of Department, Medical Biology, Dr Agantem Ekuma said the following the release of COVID-19 intervention funds, we were able to erect a new block and set up a PCR laboratory for Covid-19 testing.

”That took just about six months. NCDC teams have been here twice, and so far the feedbacks have been positive. We are awaiting final activation. We have so far purchased lots of laboratory equipment within the last one year.”