By Hassan Zaggi
As the second wave of COVID-19 is becoming overwhelming and catastrophic globally, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), has appealed to Nigerians to open up and tell its members the truth about their past medical conditions when they visit their clinics.
The NMA Chairman, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chapter, Dr. Enema Amodu, made the appeal at a media briefing in Abuja, Friday.
He, however, regretted that close to 20 medical doctors have died due to COVID-19 related complications in the past seven days.
“We also want to use this opportunity to talk to our patients, as you come to our clinics, please oblige us, wear your face mask, tell us the truth about your past medical condition, don’t hold any information back.
“I am a survivor because I inadvertently saw a patient that I did not know had COVID and she did not tell me and she knew.
“I developed the symptoms and by the grace of God my colleagues rallied round me and I survived.
“Therefore, I appeal to our patients to tell the truth when they come to our clinics. Follow the laid down rules.
“We are not in anyway demeaning anybody, as you enter the hospital facility, wash your hands and wear you mask, please comply.
“And when you sit before a doctor ensure a safe distance and comply and when the doctor ask you if there is any other problem, please be gracious enough to let them know that you either just survived COVID or you are on treatment or any of your family member is on treatment. Please tell us the truth, we are not super human beings.
“We will continue to do our best. I assure you that the NMA and all other unions in the health sector will continue to do their best. That is the oath we have taken,” he appealed.
Dr. Amodu called on the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamia and the entire National Assembly to make and gazette a legislation, in order to review upward the hazard allowance of medical doctors in the country.
“I am senior ENT Consultant. I have other Chief Consultants ahead of me. I have residents and others below me, I can tell you publicly that our hazard allowance is N5000 per month.
“But the Speaker of the House of Representatives had assured that they will do something about it and we believe they will do something about it.
“I want to urge you Mr Speaker that the NMA is looking up to you to push the needed legislation so that the hazard allowance is reviewed appropriately.
“My members are dying, they are suffering and angry but we have taken an oath that is why we are still providing services and we will continue to provide services.
“We just ask the government to do their own bit and help us so that we change the narrative of the health sector and this global pandemic that is ravaging the whole world, by the grace of God, it will be a thing of the past,” the FCT NMA chairman said.
He, however, vowed that the NMA will stand by and support families of medical doctors who loss their lives due to the COVID-19 related complications.
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