Ogun Doctors Fault Health Commissioner’s Comment On Channels TV

ABEOKUTA – The National Association of Government General Medical & Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), Ogun State Chapter, has refuted the recent claim by Dr. Tomi Coker, the Commissioner for Health, on Channels Television that “frontline health workers made up health workers working day-to-day in various hospitals, including the isolation centres, had been given Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)”.

The association at a media briefing at Ijaye General Hospital, Abeokuta, Ogun State, under the auspices of the association’s Chairman, Dr. Durojaiye Oluwatosin and its Secretary, Dr. Ajayi Abiodun, the association distanced itself to the claim, saying the statement is far from the truth.

Recall, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, on Channels Television said that frontline health workers, made up health workers working day-to-day in various hospitals, including the isolation centres, had been given Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

In another development, the Association of Resident Doctors, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Ogun State, during its recent parley with the media in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has urged Ogun State government under the leadership of Dapo Abiodun to protect and appreciate doctors who are putting up their lives on the line to rescue the victims of COVID-19 pandemic.

The association also request the government to give doctors working in OOUTH with 50 per cent of their consolidated basic salary as hazard allowance.

According to the association President, Dr. Mutiu Abiodun Popoola and Acting General Secretary, Dr. T.A. Osundara, the duo also demanded that “all doctors working directly in isolation/treatment centres be given additional 20 per cent of the initial 50 per cent as special risk allowance to avoid more exit of resident doctors and medical officers, particularly during this pandemic period that more hands are needed.”

The association also demanded payment of Group Life Insurance by the state government to all Resident Doctors, Medical Officers and House Officers in OOUTH to cover for up to 300 per cent of yearly take home in case of infirmity, permanent disability or death.