The Frontline Health Workers Support Fund, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has concluded plans to support the Federal Government with equipment worth N5billion to support the fight against COVID-19.
The donation, according to the group, is “to be made up in the short, medium and long term.”
The group disclosed this when its Central Working Committee (CWC) paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, in Abuja, Friday.
It also reiterated its readiness to work with the federal and state governments and in particular, the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 in order to contribute its quota in the ongoing war against COVID-19.
Frontline Health Workers Support Fund is a conglomerate of eight professional bodies in the health sector.
They include Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Nigerian National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria (PSN), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN), Guild of Medical Directors (GMD) and Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors.
Speaking, the leader of the delegation, Comrade Abdufatai Adeniji, noted that his group, though new, has resolved to support both the federal and state governments, stressing that “government alone cannot bear the burden of safeguarding the lives of the Frontline Health Workers.”
On his part, the Chairman of the Technical Committee of the CWC, Prof. Femi Babalola, who gave a breakdown of the items they intend to donate, said: “We have decided to push aside any form of differences and unconditionally decided to come together for the purpose of mobilizing resources to support the government.
Some of the items to be donated by the Frontline Health Workers Support Fund include 11 Million Facemasks, complete Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) – Boots, Sterile Gloves, non-sterile gloves all of various sizes, Visors, Waterproof jumpsuits and Nylon Aprons of various sizes.
The items are “for health workers who are not already covered by the provisions by government, especially those in the private sector.”
Other items to be procured by the group include the establishments of 7 testing centers – one each at the 6 geo-political zone of the country and FCT, payment of stipend for personnel at testing centers including laboratory scientists, cleaners, drivers, nurses, administrative staff, Ambulance support and many others.
A statement by the Director, Information, Media and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Health, Olujimi Oyetomi, quoted the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, as applauding the group for the support and partnership.
