COVID-19: Lawmakers Urge FG to Honour Frontline Health Workers

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to honour all frontline health workers in the treatment of COVID–19 patients all over the country.

The lawmakers made the call while adopting the prayer of a motion sponsored by Hon. Kolawole Taiwo Musibau at the plenary yesterday.

Moving the motion, Musibau noted that the outbreak of the contagious coronavirus and its ravaging effect have infected millions and killed thousands of people across the world, including Nigeria.

He said the House is aware of the protocols prescribed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to curtail the spread of the virus, which are washing of hands and often, self–isolate if unwell, maintaining social distance and avoiding crowded places, wearing of face mask among other preventive measures.

The lawmaker also said the House is cognizant that frontline health workers like doctors, nurses, pharmacists, scientist and paramedics are responsible for treating those infected by the deadly virus.

He expressed concern that despite the contagious nature of the virus and death of some health workers, most of them are still dedicated to treating COVID–19 patients with low income and fringe benefits, and as a result, many of them have also become patients of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adopting the motion, the House, however, mandated its Committee on Healthcare Services to ensure implementation.