Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila on Monday said that the Chinese medical personnel coming to Nigeria to assist in the fight against the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic must undergo the necessary checks as provided by Nigeria.
Gbajabiamila said the meeting was conveyed following widespread complaints that trailed the announcement of the coming of some Chinese medical personnel to assist Nigeria.
“It is incumbent on us, as lawmakers, to intervene, following the concerns of our constituents to understand the issues and get the right information to them.
“Our duty is to protect the Nigerian people, and every opportunity to increase our knowledge will not be thrown away.
“Having listened to you, what we are taking away from this meeting is that Nigeria needs this intervention from the Chinese, but you have to make it mandatory that they observe all the protocols laid down for the disease.
“As you explained that they won’t have direct contact with Nigerian patients, you have to make sure that they go through our official immigration laws, they have to get work permit waivers because they are coming here to work,’’ he said.
The speaker said that the doctors have to be quarantined for 14 days as stipulated by the protocol urging the ministers to keep educating Nigerians to avoid misconceptions.
Earlier, the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, told the House leadership that Nigeria did not officially invite the Chinese team.
He explained that it was an offer arranged by a group of Chinese companies based in Nigeria as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) to Nigeria.
Ehanire said that being a novel disease that every country is trying to understand, Nigeria would benefit more from the gesture in tackling the disease are inadequate.
Also, the Minister of State for Health, Mamora, emphasized that the Chinese personnel are mainly experts in molecular laboratory testing.
“We have only two indigenous experts currently serving seven laboratory centres in the country.
“The Chinese doctors are expected to help in setting up molecular laboratories around the country as well as upgrade and reconfigure existing ones in the country,” he said.
He said that the Chinese medical personnel would not have direct contact with Nigerian patients but would only help to reconfigure the laboratories.
| Posted: at | |
taypetdun
TRENDING GISTS 
How DSS Rescues Seven Kidnapped Victims In Sokoto
Aftermath Of Niger Prison Collapse That Allowed 119 Inmates To Escape Following Rainstorm
VIDEO: Groom Breaks Down In Tears As Bride Walks To Him On Wedding Day