The University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital’s Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-UITH) advised Nigerians on Tuesday to continue to follow the strict protocol in relation to the newly discovered Omicron variant COVID-19.
The COVID-19 Omicron variant discovered in South Africa is thought to be highly transmissible and may pose an increased risk of reinfection when compared to other variants of concern (VOCs).
Dr. Badmus Habeeb, President of the ARD-UITH, gave the advice during a news conference held to commemorate the association’s week-long 38th Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The COVID-19 pandemic, he claims, exposed numerous flaws and challenges in the healthcare system, as well as overstretching its workforce resources.
He observed that the pandemic presented a dilemma that was both frightening and unsettling to members, given their position as frontline workers and the size of the population.
Habeeb, on the other hand, praised doctors for their fortitude in the face of COVID-19-related uncertainties, such as infection deaths, insufficient supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and issues concerning member salaries.
“Through constructive engagement both nationally and internationally, we were able to ensure the modest milestone despite the odds of the executive year.”
He praised members’ efforts, saying that through constructive engagement with the government, about 100 resident doctors and medical officers were employed across various departments.
He also praised the hospital’s reasonable supply of PPE at service points, borehole drilling, and reticulation of the water supply system, among other improvements.
Habeeb went on to say that the association has ensured that the Isolation and Infectious Diseases Ward runs smoothly and efficiently.
Speaking at the AGM, the president of ARD-UITH stated that a consortium of doctors from its association was providing free medical services to over 500 patients in Kwara’s Offa Local Government Area.
“Approximately 60 general and ophthalmology surgical cases will be performed at no cost to the patients,” he explained.
He went on to say that the AGM’s Scientific Conference will be themed “Nigeria’s Health Sector Predicament and the Role of Medical Doctors in Politics.”