Catholic bishops donate 425 isolation centres for COVID-19 patients
Nigeria’s COVID-19 battle has received a major boost from the Catholic Bishops as they offered 425 of their hospitals across the country as isolation centres.
Mr Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and chairman of the PTF disclosed this on Monday at the body’s daily briefing in Abuja.
“Catholic Bishops Conference has volunteered all the 425 hospitals and clinics nationwide for adaptation and use as isolation centres”, Mustapha announced.
“Governors are encouraged to please approach Catholic Bishops in their states to access these facilities,” he added.
He also disclosed that the PTF would soon inaugurate the Thisday Dome treatment and isolation facility.
This would add 270 beds to the isolation capacity in Abuja, he said.
“This is a private sector-driven initiative and we commend the efforts of ThisDay, NNPC, Sahara and its partners,” he added.
Mustapha advised State governments to set up isolation centres with a minimum of 300 beds in their states, to strengthen the fight against the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Mustapha said that the isolation centres should include wards and Intensive Care Units (ICUs).
“This will help accommodate levels one and two cases. However, with the increase in numbers, we are beginning to experience a shortage of bed spaces in the isolation centres, especially in the high-burden areas.
“We are conscious of the need to take care of different categories of persons like those living with disabilities, terminal conditions and other underlying factors co-morbidities,” he said.
The PTF chairman said that contracting COVID-19 is not a death sentence but disregarding the guidelines for its avoidance, as guided by experts, is a costly self-voyage.
“Unfortunately, such choices cannot be made by individuals; it has to be collective and we are all resolute in stamping this scourge out of Nigeria,” he noted.
He appealed to Nigerians to continue to comply with all guidelines.
“You must take personal responsibility for your actions,” he declared.
