Coronavirus Pandemic: Nigerian Doctors Reject Support From Chinese Doctors

Report says, Medical doctors under the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), have revealed they are against the invitation of doctors from China to assist with the fight against COVID-19.

The group disclosed this in a statement, signed by its President, Francis Faduyile.

The association said it received the news of that the Federal Government of Nigeria has invited 18-man Chinese doctors into the country during this global pandemic with great disappointment.

According to the statement, the doctors stressed that the action is a thing of shame and outright humiliation to the membership of the Association and other health workers for taking such decision without their consent.

The statement reads;

“The lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), grossly inadequate test kits and test centres across the country, and the absolute lack of any form of insurance for the workforce are primordial issues begging for attention at this time.

“We are therefore profoundly dismayed to learn that the Federal Government is instead inviting the Chinese who from available accounts are not out of the woods themselves.

“The spike in cases and the death toll from COVID -19 in Italy coincided with the arrival of the Chinese in the guise of offering assistance. Even the United Nations has only just recently commended the efforts of Nigeria so far.

“The provision of adequate personal protective equipment, opening and properly equipping more isolation centres and health facilities across the country is an excellent first step."

The doctors however  said there  are large  numbers of General Medical practitioners and Specialist who are unemployed or underemployed.

The doctors further added that, the government should engaged the specialists and practitioners in the country  instead of bringing foreigners who does not know anything about our culture, terrain and peculiar challenges putting aside national security.