By Danmaryam Zayamu
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has called on the Federal Government to publish the names, designations/status, and qualifications of the 15-member Chinese medical team that arrived Nigeria on Wednesday.
It can be recalled that despite the many calls by groups and prominent individuals on the federal government to stop the Chinese medical team from coming to Nigeria, the 15-member medical team arrived on Wednesday.
They were received by the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire.
The NMA further demanded the thorough screening of the team by all relevant bodies including the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
The NMA stated this in a statement signed by its President and Secretary General, Dr. Francis Faduyile and Dr. Olumuyiwa Odusote, respectively, in Abuja, Thursday.
While reiterating its earlier rejection of the Chinese medical team, the NMA warned medical experts in Nigeria to be wary of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) donated by China.
The NMA, therefore, dissociated itself from alleged consultation with any group, individual or political association on matters relating to its demand on the Covid-19.
“We call on all healthcare professionals to be wary of uncertified Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from China.
“We demand a thorough screening of the so-called medical team of experts by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other relevant regulatory bodies to verify their status, as we call on the Federal Government to publish the names, designations/status, and qualifications of the so-called “Medical experts,” the group reiterated.
It further noted that it will continue to monitor what it described as the ‘uncomfortable relationship’ between Nigeria and the Chinese medical team.
“We wish to respectfully request the Presidential Task Force to deal with the genuine concerns of her people including all the professional bodies that have spoken out against this curious decision to engage the Chinese at all cost. A recipient of donations is still at liberty to pick and choose.
“We will continue to monitor this uncomfortable relationship with the so-called Chinese personnel.
“We shall not hesitate to do whatever is necessary to protect our long-suffering fellow citizens against any form of medical exploitation.
“We reaffirm our belief in the ability of the Nigerian healthcare professionals, especially those at the frontlines to continue to do their best for our country as we continue to reject this “Greek Gift” from CCECC at this time,” the NMA said.
Despite provocation by the Federal Government, the NMA said, it will not abandon Nigerians at this critical time.
It, therefore, called on all men and women of goodwill to mount pressure on the government to provide adequate PPE to the frontline healthcare workers and not share it among the political class who are not facing similar risk like the frontline workers.br
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