PRESS RELEASE Thursday, July 9th, 2020 LSHA URGES STATE GOVERNMENT TO INCLUDE PRIVATE HOSPITALS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 ***CONFIRMS GOVERNOR’S SECURITY AND EMPLOYMENT TRUST FUNDS NOMINEES.

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday during the Plenary Session called on Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, to direct the Commissioner, Ministry of Health to organize trainings for private hospitals in conjunction with Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, Lagos chapter to help in the detection and treatment of COVID-19 patients with a view to reducing the spread of the virus.

Hon. Hakeem Sokunle who moved the motion noted that the Corona Virus is fast spreading and the non-inclusion of private hospitals with good medical facilities in testing and treatment of COVID-19 pandemic has limited the containment of the virus.

Hon. Sokunle added that if the State Government includes the services of private hospitals in the testing and treatment of COVID-19 patients and are given necessary training it would help to curtail the spread of the virus as well as reduce the pressure on over stretched government isolation centres and strengthen the synergy between the government and private health practitioners.

“There is need to be proactive ahead of more spread or another surge so as to avoid another total lockdown, this will also help the private professionals to join forces with the government hospitals. The facilities for private hospitals should be thoroughly screened, accredited and certified for treatment and testing of corona virus patients and when they become certified, patients should be referred to such hospitals.” He added.

Speaking, Hon. Noheem Adams stated that it was revealed that over 11 million people have been afflicted by this virus in the world while as at yesterday in Nigeria 30,249 are affected already, 684 people died from it, Lagos has 11,670 affected cases and 1,698 discharged but 133 died.

“We need to salute the Governor for his efforts in combatting this menace but it keeps spreading. It seems as if people don’t believe that COVID-19 does exist. There is need for us to look into herbal solutions, let us help our herbalist with fund to look for a solution. People are nonchalant about the wearing of mask and washing of hands with soap.” He added.

Hon. Abiodun Tobun stated that it is imperative for government to liaise with private hospitals and doctors that are competent and willing to help in curbing the virus because government cannot do this alone.

Hon. Lukman Olumoh explained that Lagos State Government has already approved 7 private laboratories to conduct COVID-19 test and 3 private hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients therefore there is need for Government to approve more hospitals so that it can accommodate such menace.

“Our Governor and Commissioner for Health have been doing a great job in ensuring that they combat this virus. The three approved private hospitals is a welcome development but we need more.” Hon. Yishawu expressed.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa however urged the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria to support the Government because this surge is getting out of hand. He also implored the Local Government LG and Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs Chairmen to task landlords in their community to ensure that their tenants wear facemasks and all public transport passengers do same because this virus can easily be contacted.

In another development, the Lawmakers has confirmed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s nominees, Mrs. Bola Adesola as Chairman, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund and Mr. Kehinde Durosimi-Etti as Chairman of Lagos State Security Trust Fund.