COVID-19: Health writers call for attractive welfare package for healthcare workers

*Call on FG to avoid another brain drain in health sector

The Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) has called on the Federal government to institute attractive protection, incentives and health insurance cover for healthcare workers on the frontline of COVID-19 Pandemic.

While urging government to invest adequately in the health sector, HEAWAN called for judicious use of all monies and other donations made by individuals and corporate entities as well as intervention funds for the fight against COVID-19.

HEWAN, the umbrella body of all health/science reporters and editors in Tv, Radio, Print and Online Mediums in Nigeria, in a statement jointly signed by its National President, Mrs Chioma Obinna and the National General Secretary, Mrs Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu, also called for increase in number of testing centres all over the country to contain the spread of the virus.

It also drew government attention to the recent statement by United States (US) government asking medical professionals seeking to work in America to apply for work visa at the nearest US embassies as part of measures to strengthen the health system to contain the coronavirus pandemic in America. and also directing foreign medical professionals already in America to consult with their sponsors to extend their programmes, describing it as a threat to the nation’s health system.

The statement read: “Since the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed the first case of novel coronavirus now known as COVID-19 in the country, on Feb  27, the cases have continued to rise.

“As of 8.p.m on Tuesday,  April 7, there had been 254 confirmed cases of Coronavirus  and six deaths in Nigeria, while 44  persons in the country have recovered after contracting Covid-19 -according to NCDC

“Experts indicate that COVID-19 is most commonly spread from an infected symptomatic person to others through respiratory droplets, including: coughing and sneezing; close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands; touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or  eyes before washing your hands.

“With the rate at which the cases are rising in Nigeria, there could be more cases of individuals infected with the virus if appropriate measures are  not taken to limit the spread of infection in the states and within the healthcare delivery system.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has put a massive strain on the nation’s healthcare system. There are reports of inadequate medical personnel and supplies as the number of cases continue to surge.”

The statement further stated, “Our healthcare system is further threatened’ by he call by the United States government asking medical professionals seeking to work in America to apply for work visa at the nearest US embassies as part of measures to strengthen the health system to contain the coronavirus pandemic in America.

“In the statement published on www.travel.state.gov on Friday (April 3, 2020) the US government also directed foreign medical professionals already in America to consult with their sponsors to extend their programmes.

“Considering how Nigerian trained health workers leave the country in droves owing to poor welfare and working conditions, the country cannot afford to lose  any of its health personnel to foreign nations at this critical time when they are needed most.

“Healthcare workers are desperately needed to respond to the outbreak, which prompted the recalling of retired doctors and nurses by the Federal Government.

“But these healthcare workers represent one of the most vulnerable populations in terms of contracting the highly virulent disease due to the nature of their jobs and therefore, must be adequately taken care of .

“While acknowledging efforts made so far by the NCDC,  the federal government, state governments and other agencies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we strongly advocate that the federal government institute attractive welfare package and health insurance cover for health workers combating COVID-19 in the country.

“The welfare package must be well defined and spelt out in line with global standards.

“To have a fighting chance against COVID-19 and in treating those requiring intensive care, government  must invest adequately in the health sector to ensure that health workers are properly equipped  with personal protective equipment (PPE)  such as gloves, masks, ventilator equipment, IV saline, and other medically critical supplies to ensure they can safely and appropriately care for patients with Covid-19.

“HEWAN also want the government to increase the number of testing centres across the country which are currently inadequate  and mobilise human and material resources at its disposal to immediately stop the spread of the virus before it becomes too late as WHO had warned.

“We commend the effort of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the private sector, led by Aliko Dangote Foundation and Access Bank, which have  set up a coalition aimed at raising N 120 bn as well as well-meaning individuals who have contributed towards the fight against COVID – 19 in Nigeria, We demand that all  funds raised for the  Coronavirus fight should be judiciously  used and also accounted for.

“We also commend the Lagos State  government for implementing various strategies to ensure containment of the virus and preserve the health of citizens, we urge other state governments to emulate same.

“The Presidency said it’s  also releasing a N5 billion special intervention fund to NCDC to equip, expand and provide personnel to its facilities and laboratories across the country. We also appeal that the fund be adequately utilised to respond to suspected cases of the virus.

“Research effort is vital if Nigeria wants to end this pandemic and prevent future tragedies. The pace and impact of the spread of this virus is unprecedented. Therefore, we urge  government at all levels to fund continued research efforts for vaccines, treatments and diagnostics.

“We call on Nigerians to follow the guidelines provided by the government, World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on preventive and protective measures against the pandemic.

“Now is the time for drastic action. It will be challenging, but it will give us the best chance to save lives,” it added.

HEWAN, While commending healthcare workers especially those who  have dedicated their energy to mitigating the spread of the coronavirus in the country in the statement, noted that “The health of the people and the wider public is our priority and that is where our focus is, stating that “HEWAN will continue to work with stakeholders  and agencies in the healthcare sector and continue to pass on the right information  to deepen the public understanding of COVID-19”