Days after Minister for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire declared that he does not know the whereabouts of Chinese medical team, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has revealed the “mission” of the Chinese medical team who arrived the country weeks ago.
The revelation of the mission was contained in a statement released on Friday, May 22.
According to the statement, the medical team’s assignment in Nigeria does not include treating Coronavirus patients and they have not done so at any instance.
CCECC further stated that though the team has assisted in setting up isolation centres and providing support to CCECC staff on protection against COVID-19, they are also willing and ready to share their experiences in fighting COVID-19 in China with Nigerian health officials.
The statement reads;
“After a 14-day quarantine and necessary tests, the medical team has been carrying out its assigned mission.
“The medical personnel are in Nigeria at the instance of CCECC Nigeria and they have been at all times under the care and accommodation of CCECC
“During their stay in Nigeria, they have complied with all known immigration and health protocols.
“It is important to reiterate that the mandate of the team, as mutually agreed with all stakeholders, does not cover treatment of COVID-19 cases. The team is therefore not treating any COVID-19 cases. In dealing with both the CCECC and the Nigerian health officials, the team only play an advisory role.
“They would continue to engage with CCECC management and staff will always be willing to engage with Nigerian health officials and other stakeholders whenever and wherever it is necessary to do so.”