– Catholic Church Offers 425 Hospitals To The Federal Government As Isolation Centers
The federal government has announced that the Catholic Church in Nigeria has offered its 425 hospitals and clinics nationwide as isolation centers for Coronavirus patients.
The news was disclosed by secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha during the presidential task force briefing that took place on Monday. The kind gesture came just days after the minister of health, Professor Osagie Ehanire and the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) Director General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu both reported that there is no state in the country that has enough bed spaces for COVID-19 patients.
Making the news of the donation known during his briefing, Boss Mustapha said “As part of efforts to support the states in the establishment of the isolation and treatment centers, I wish to remind our governors that the Catholic Bishops Conference has volunteered all the 425 hospitals and clinics nationwide for adaptation and use as isolation centers.
“Governors are encouraged to please approach Catholic Bishops in their states to access these facilities.
“As a further cost-effective measure, I also wish to remind sub-national authorities that the Nigeria Institute of Architects has pledged the pro bono services of their members to modify, design and supervise all COVID-19 related projects nationwide. Again, we urge that this offer be taken up speedily.”
The news came as very much needed assistance to the federal government and the nation at large due to the rapid increase in the numbers of confirmed cases with a total of 4641 recorded so far.
