Federal Government To Shut Down Any Private Hospital Secretly Treating COVID-19 Patients

“Henceforth, if any private hospital treats COVID-19 patients the government has no option but to close the facility down” this were the words of the Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Media, Alhaji Salihu Yakasai.

This is coming after the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 were worried on how some prominent person’s disregards the rules on COVID-19. The Presidential Task Force has said, government would shut unaccredited private hospital secretly treating COVID-19 patients as they are suppose to report cases to Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Kano State first index case was retired ambassador while Kwara State accountant, the late Mudeen Obanimowo and some other cases where victims who allegedly went to private hospitals after showing sings and symptoms of the Coronavirus.

Obanimomo who returned from the United Kingdom died from complications at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital earlier because it was claimed he was suffering from food poisoning and was admitted which was totally false as he was a carrier of the Coronavirus which led to his death.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has also warned private hospital to report cases to the right authorities or will be shut down. “Patients with mild symptoms are still very highly infectious, and mild symptoms in one person could be deadly infection in another. That is why we recommend the suspension of close contact between grandchildren and grandparents at this time.

“Our valuable health workers are urged to adhere to all government instructions and regulations. Always utilise personal protective equipment; maintain a high index of suspicion for COVID-19; and protect yourselves, your loved ones and your colleagues.

“I shall use this opportunity to again strongly advise health professionals against private or secret management of people who have COVID-19 outside of accredited health facilities. We cannot afford avoidable morbidity and mortality. “Private facilities must obtain accreditation to treat this highly infectious disease. Practitioners engaging in unauthorised treatment of COVID-19, run the risk of being shut down for decontamination.” Dr. Osagie said.