By Lucky Isibor,
The authorities of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH has debunked news reports in the Vanguard of Thursday, 9 April to the effect that there’s panic in the hospital as a result of the handling of cases of Coronavirus.
In a statement signed by Joshua Uwaila Esq., the Public Relations Officer, P.R.O. of the hospital titled, “Covid-19: Panic at UBTH over blunders on tests”, states that there is no panic in the hospital adding that the report was unduely sensational urging members of the public to disregard any information to the contrary.
“The management of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital states emphatically that there is no panic in UBTH and members of the public are encouraged to disregard any information to the contrary.
“Our staff, especially the Rapid Response Team have been properly trained, adequately equipped with the necessary PPE(s) and are motivated to help any person who may become infected with the disease.
“Services are being rendered in a calm atmosphere by our committed staff in harmony with allied institutions and the general public”, the statement said.
In another development, the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) , has said that the two COVID-19 patients receiving treatment in the facility are fast recuperating following medical care provided by its health personnel.
Head of Rapid Response Team on Covid-19 disease (UBTH), Dr. Benson Okwara disclosed this to journalists while reacting to a report that there was panic in the hospital over patients receiving care for ailment in its isolation centre.
According to him, “One of the patients is almost asymptomatic. Our healthcare workers in medical emergency have always put on their medical face masks and hand gloves.They have also maintained other standard precautions which have been enshrined in UBTH’s care processes”, Okwara stated.
Also speaking, Chairman, Medical Advisory committee (CMAC) UBTH, Prof Casimir Omuemu said that global best practice is being maintained in handling cases of Covid-19 disease stressing that members of its Rapid Response Team on Covid-19 have so far activated 12 doctors, 33 paramedics and 30 nurses, who are on ground to receive any case and provide guidance.
Omuemu who noted that areas receiving suspected and confirmed cases are already activated with drugs and personal protective equipment (PPE), said that all out patients clinics remain functional, though activities have scaled downwards to facilitate adequate infection control measures.
