NSIA
FeaturedHealthHighlight

Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority donates Oxygen concentrators, patient monitors to 21 health institutions in states

225

 

…..lauds the commitment and dedication of frontline health workers in the fight against the pandemic.

In a bid to assist the Federal Government to scale up its Covid-19 response, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority has handed over 126 units of Patient Monitors and 63 units of Oxygen Concentrators to 21 health facilities in the six zones of the country.

The supply of oxygen concentrators and patient monitors is expected to boost government’s efforts to provide an efficient and effective healthcare response for coronavirus patients.

Persecondnews recalls that shortage of oxygen concentrators and patient monitors had been reported across the country and it is slowing down government’s ability in providing an efficient and effective response for the patients.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha made the virtual handing over of the items on Thursday.

He noted that COVID-19 pandemic had negatively impacted the global community, thereby disrupting well established healthcare systems.

As at January 27, the country recorded 1,861 new cases in 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory, taking the total confirmed cases to 126,160, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

No fewer than 22 persons died of the virus on Wednesday bringing the number of deaths nationwide to 1,544.

Mustapha, the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, recalled that the Federal Government had introduced some stringent measures to contain the virus.

Some of the measures included the ban on flights, the imposition of curfew, nationwide lockdown, and compulsory wearing of face masks.

Lamenting the lack of compliance with COVID-19 protocols by some Nigerians, Mustapha said it had compelled the government to enact the Coronavirus Disease Health Protection Regulation of 2021 Act.

It was signed by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 26.

In addition, the Federal Government had rehabilitated oxygen plants and will be constructing one each of the 36 states, the PTF chair said.

“We know that our nation is at war with this pervasive enemy and we will ensure that the virus won’t spread further.

“We are happy that the NSIA has assisted in providing these facilities and this equipment is a welcome development. It could not have come at a better time.

“This administration will continue to come up with measures to stop the spread of the virus. We cannot stop the spread if we fail to take responsibility.

“To those in doubt, Covid-19 is real, wear your face mask, maintain social distancing and if you can, do not travel. I want us to treat everyone as a potential carrier of Covid-19,” Mustapha said.

He lauded the commitment and dedication of frontline health workers in the fight against the pandemic.

The Managing Director of NSIA, Mr Uche Orji, said the health sector remained the focus of the body.

He expressed the hope that the equipment would the government to effectively fight the pandemic.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, thanked NSIA’s intervention at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre Umuahia and the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.

He promised that the government would work closely with the NSIA to reduce medical tourism in the country.

On her part, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, said the Federal Government had introduced some measures to cushion the negative impact of the pandemic on the economy.

The Federal Government has adjusted the 2021 budget to boost funding for the health care sector, It is raising funds to acquire Covid-19 vaccines for Nigerians, she said.

She noted that the Economic Sustainability Plan launched at the peak of the outbreak of the virus in 2020 had provided stability and reduced the impact of the pandemic on the economy.

“I want to encourage the NSIA to continue its assistance in the health care sector. The equipment will help to offer succour to families affected by Covid-19,” she said.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu disclosed that in the last one year, about 120,000 Covid-19 cases had been recorded with fatalities put at 1,500.

 

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Equatorial Guinea government official embroiled in sextape scandal

Mr. Baltasar Engonga, Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF)...

CAF ruling against Libya: Nigerian govt. promises to protect its citizens in Libya

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to...

Polaris Bank wins “Best Mobile App” award at Digital Jurist Awards 2024

For its commitment to digital innovation and excellence, Polaris Bank has again...

Updated: After six years of injustice, Nigeria’s ex-Chief Justice, Onnoghen, finally gets justice

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Monday, overturned the conviction of...

Flood sacks 4 Anambra council areas as Soludo activates 27 IDP camps

By Emmanuel Ndukuba, Awka Floods have devastated four local government areas in...

Four-month salary: NASU, SSANU secure irrevocable commitment from FG, suspend strike

After a six-day strike, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff...

Three radio stations in Abia destroyed by mysterious fire

A mysterious fire has hit three radio stations in Abia in Abia...

Seven new ministers for inauguration on Monday, Nov. 4

President Bola Tinubu will preside over the oath-taking of seven new ministers...

Youth shot dead for playing football near VIP’s house

A 70-year-old man, Mr. Stephen Irobunda, has escaped a mob action in...

Renowned Nigerian filmmaker, director Dimeji Ajibola is dead

Dimeji Ajibola, the acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker behind the popular series Shanty Town,...

Just in: UK Conservative Party elects former Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch as new leader

Former British Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has emerged as the new leader...

Demolition of Abuja N200bln properties: Restrain Wike, Estate Developers Beg Pres. Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has been urged to intervene in the alleged demolition...

FirstBank’s retired CEO, Adeduntan, gets presidential commendation

Impressed with his exemplary career trajectory and transformative leadership, President Bola Tinubu...

#EndBadGovernance protests: AGF to Police: Transfer casefiles of 72 defendants to my office

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince...

NAGAFF Taps NPA MD, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, as Keynote Speaker for Silver Jubilee Anniversary

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has announced Dr....

It’s fake news: Fubara did not order shut down of NNPC Ltd, oil companies in Rivers

The Rivers State Government has refuted a report circulating on social media,...

Tinubu to NEC: Allow tax reform bills pass through legislative process, public hearing

President Bola Tinubu has received the National Economic Council’s recommendation that the...

Minister Inspects Bagaja Renewables’ Zawaciki 1MWp Mini-Grid Amid Northern Power Crisis

As northern Nigeria grapples with prolonged power outages, Minister of Power Adelabu...

Just in: Court grants VeryDarkMan N2m bail

Reprieve has come for the detained social media critic, Martins Otse, popularly...

Just in: #EndBadGovernance protest: Teenager collapses in court, forces judge to suspend proceeding

A teenager, one of the 76 people charged before a Federal High...