By Michael Adesanya/Abeokuta
Shell Nigeria Gas Limited has donated medical equipment worth N67.8 million to the Ogun State government to enhance the state’s medical capabilities.
The medical equipment include; 1 Mindray SV600 ventilator; 25 degree laboratory freezer; RNA extraction kits; 200 pieces of High-Tech Coverall-Medical Personal Protective Equipment; Bouffant Hair Cover; Single Use Apron; Disposable Linen; Surgical face mask; KN95 Mask with Respiratory and Hand Sanitisers.
Receiving the items on behalf of the state government, the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said management of COVID-19 has become a collective responsibility as government cannot do it alone, thanking the private sector for rising to the challenge.
’’In February when the index case was taken to Lagos for test, Governor Dapo Abiodun at a meeting immediately directed that testing centres be established in the state and now the state can boast of its own testing centres in Sagamu and Abeokuta. We really did not see it coming this bad, but his Excellency had a foresight to start to look at this and the exemplary way which he manages the pandemic in the state has been lauded all across the country, ’’ she said.
Salako-Oyedele added that the state government also realised that there was need for the state to work and develop its own capacity without relying on neighbouring states or wait for the Federal government’s support in cushioning the effect of the pandemic by setting up isolation centres and providing relief materials for the residents of the state.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Tayo Lawal said the number of new infections of coronavirus is increasing on a daily basis and government alone cannot provide the wherewithal to manage the pandemic.
Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, Mr Ed Ubong represented by the Agbara/Otta Asset Manager, Simeon Eze, said Shell remains committed to supporting the state government efforts in managing the pandemic, having recognised inadequate testing capability in the state and country at large.
Mr Ubong said the PCR machine and other extraction kits approved by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to deliver COVID-19 molecular screening tests will boost the state’s medical facilities as well as allow healthcare personnel and support staff do their jobs professionally and safely.