The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State chapter, has suggested that a potential partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) could be pivotal in addressing the community spread of COVID-19.
NMA made this known through Chairman Dr Saliu Oseni in a WhatsApp Sharing Session titled ‘Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle During the Lockdown’, hosted by NBA Ikorodu branch on Friday.
While admitting the enormous pressure since the outbreak of the coronavirus, Dr Oseni, who is also the Chief Consultant, General Surgeon, Head of Department of Surgery at the General Hospital Ikorodu, reckoned that the legal body could share the burden.
When asked about how the NMA intends to handle noncompliance to isolation directives, especially the elites, Dr Oseni said: “ We’ll need the assistance of NBA to enforce this because it endangers the life of all of us, as these people have drivers, maids etc. that go out and could further spread the virus.”
“We suggest legislation enforce positive patient to be properly quarantined,” he added.
Lagos is the worst hit by the rampaging coronavirus in the country, with positive cases jumping from 376 to 657 in four days.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control attributed this sharp rise to community spread as some highly-placed Nigerians have opted against isolation even after testing positive, thereby endangering the lives of others.
The NMA believes, though, that with the assistance of the legal practitioners, this scourge could be brought to the barest minimum.
“So far most deaths are with those not getting to isolation centres for treatment,” he said.
Dr Oseni was engaged in other aspects that relate to COVID-19.
When asked about some private hospitals still attending to suspected patients, the surgeon said “since we released a communique, a good number of them had retreated and we intend to ethically deal with those that go against the directive.
“However, we know we may get to a stage that the private hospital may have to be involved in treatment, but not now and it has to be well-coordinated and we already told the government we won’t allow commercialising the pandemic as everyone has the right to live and it’s the responsibility of government.”
The second phase of the two weeks lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory elapses on Monday and the Federal Government is under immense pressure over an extension.
However, Dr Oseni said this is necessary for Lagos. “Extension may be necessary, but the government needs to do more on welfare,” he added. “The government has not done well on welfare, I believe they can do better and it’s our responsibility to make them do.”
