Medical Equipments from China Not Contaminated- FG

Following the arrival of the Chinese medical team and equipment, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has confirmed that, the federal government had taken possession of $1,300,000 worth of medical equipment and consumables from a group of Chinese companies in Nigeria as part of their contribution in fighting COVID-19.

Meanwhile, there are reports going viral on social media that the medical supplies from China may contains virus that causes COVID-19, the federal governmaent has however debunked the report, saying none of the donated kits are contaminated.

The Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, debunked the report during an interview with the newsmen on Thursday.

Ihekweazu said:

“There is no evidence that the kits received in Nigeria are contaminated with the virus that causes COVID-19. These medical supplies are very effective when safely used by health workers.”

In the same vein, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire  disclosed that, the $1,300,000 worth of donations include personal protective equipment, one million medical masks for health workers and ventilators, consumables and other forms medical supplies.

The minister said: 

“These resources will support the ongoing efforts of our hard-working and resourceful health workers across the country, including doctors and nurses who have been at the forefront of fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

“The personal protective equipment will also serve to protect these frontline workers and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the line of duty. The Federal Ministry of Health, on behalf of the federal government, appreciates this gesture from the Chinese community in Nigeria, recognising that collaboration, knowledge sharing, and expert insight are critical in the fight against coronavirus.

“We assure that the federal government, through the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), will ensure the quality of all the medical supplies that were brought into the country." 

He added that,

“It is important to emphasise that the guests are not here to treat patients but to conduct capacity building based on their experience. All available resources shall be deployed to support adequate engagement of Nigerian medical experts towards curbing the spread of COVID-19 in the country."