By Lucky Isibor,
The authorities of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has confirmed the receipt of three patients who have been confirmed positive with COVID-19.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Darlington Obaseki who disclosed this in a statement said two of the patients are surviving and are receiving care from the hospital staff.
According to Prof. Obaseki, “University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has so far received three patients who have been confirmed positive with COVID-19. The two surviving patients are currently being cared for by our dedicated staff in the isolation ward with restricted access.”
While noting that healthcare workers are on the front line in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, Prof. Obaseki disclosed that some UBTH healthcare workers were exposed to the patients prior to confirmation of their COVID-19 status.
“Prior to confirmation of their COVID-19 status, some of our healthcare staff were exposed to these patients whilst using only Personal Protection (surgical face-mask, gloves). Currently all staff who were exposed to these patients are asymptomatic and they are being monitored closely according to current guidelines.
“Further measures have been put in place to ensure our staff are not unduly exposed to risks of infection with COVID-19 in the course of their providing care for patients who come to the hospital for various reasons”, he said.
Meanwhile the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, (UBTH), has engaged an insurance company to activate an insurance policy for all Staff of the hospital involved in COVID-19 management.
Prof. Darlington Obaseki stated this in a separate release made available to journalists in Benin City.
Obaseki stated that the policy is to help in taking care of any staff of the hospital who is involved in the management of COVID-19 disease.
According to him, “the policy covers Life Insurance payment of N5million to dependents in the event of natural death, accidental death.”
“Critical illness or Permanent disability that involve payment of N5million to affected staff, Temporary disability N250,000, Medical reimbursement N500,000”
He said, “the policy is for all frontline staff involved in the management of COVID-19 patients”.
Obaseki added that the normal payment of daily allowance for feeding and transportation for staff will continue while assuring all members of staff that their welfare and safety is the utmost concern of the management.
