The Federal Government on behalf of the Honorable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, has expressed condolence to the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) over the death of two of its doctors, Late Dr. Habib Musa Muhammad, Consultant Anesthesiologist and a House Officer, Late Dr. Ummukulthum Abba. They were reported dead after operating on a pregnant woman who was a primary carrier of the Lassa fever disease.
The Honorable Minister of Health, Dr. Ehanire, who was on this visit with a team of Directors from the ministry to sympathize with the families of the deceased said, ‘it saddened FG not only because those who lost their lives were Nigerian citizens, but also because they died in the line of duty ‘. The Minister likened them to ‘soldiers in the war front who lose their lives in defending the country’. He described their death as ‘very unfortunate’. He added that, ‘We hereby extend our condolences to AKTH, Kano, through the Chief Medical Director, and all the people of Kano State.’
The Minister disclosed that the cause of the problem of the demise was a viral hemorrhagic fever that is endemic, known as Lassa fever. He said that it was particularly unknown in Kano State, since 89% of all the cases are from Ondo, Edo and Ebonyi states. The next most prevalent he added, are Bauchi, Plateau and Taraba.
He further said that he was also on ground to see that infection, prevention and control measures had been installed in the state. He emphasized that Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) had been working very closely with the Department of Public Health of Kano State Government and Kano State Ministry of Health to ensure that that there are measures laid for quick and rapid diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Ehanire reiterated that, ‘we have brought in treatment commodities, medicines used for treating this particular disease and also personnel protective equipment materials’.
He assured on- going cooperation between FMOH, Abuja and Kano State Ministry of Health, and that across the entire state, no case goes undetected or arises. He advised that medical personnels should look out for ‘stubborn ‘fever and report immediately, ‘early detected symptoms are treated on time and gives a greater chance of survival.’
The Minister also informed that the case mortality rate of states where Lassa Fever is rampant had reduced from 30% to 15%. Adding that, prevention will continue with researches to find a final solution so that Nigerians will no longer live in fear.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Kano, Dr. Binta Umar Bala, in her welcome speech thanked the Minister and his entourage for finding t time out of his busy schedule to visit the state to commiserate with the people of Kano in their trying period. She said this was because of the commitment, concern and dedication the minister had towards the work.
In another development, the Honourable Minister went on an inspection tour of the construction of some building in the spinal cord section of the National Orthopaedic Hospital Dala-Kano, where he also interacted with some of the patients. Dr. Osagie Ehanire also paid a courtesy call at the Palace of the Emir of Kano.
Enefaa Bob-Manuel
Head Media and Public Relations
