The Federal Government has directed hospitals and other health facilities nationwide to strengthen their isolation facilities and stock adequate protective equipment and medical supplies to enhance preparedness against a possible outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
The directive was disclosed by the Deputy Head of Clinical Services at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, Dr Yunus Mohammed Eze, during an interview with journalists.
Eze said the Federal Ministry of Health had instructed healthcare institutions to reinforce their emergency response systems to facilitate the prompt identification, isolation and treatment of suspected Ebola cases.
He explained that FMC Birnin Kudu had already implemented the directive by upgrading its isolation unit and placing medical personnel on alert.
“The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Health, communicated with health facilities across the country and directed them to prepare their isolation units and ensure that everything required to protect healthcare workers and manage affected patients was available,” he said.
The hospital official added that its management immediately commenced preparations upon receiving the instruction.
“We received the directive, and the management immediately swung into action. Our isolation unit was strengthened, and we are prepared to isolate any suspected case and make referrals where necessary,” Eze stated.
He further disclosed that the hospital had established arrangements to transfer suspected or confirmed Ebola patients to designated treatment centres whenever specialised care was required.
On public enlightenment, Eze said the hospital had intensified awareness campaigns through its Infectious Diseases Unit and Community Medicine Unit to educate residents on infectious diseases, preventive practices and the importance of early detection.
He noted that the facility was also working with the Jigawa State Media Corporation to expand public awareness and ensure that residents receive accurate information on disease prevention and control.
According to him, healthcare workers routinely educate patients and visitors on preventive measures, urging them to disseminate the information within their families and communities to strengthen public vigilance against infectious diseases.
