No conclusion yet on 'mysterious deaths' in Kano - Minister of Health, Ehanire Osagie

The Minister of Health, Ehanire Osagie has disclosed that health officials are yet to arrive at a conclusion on the cause of mysterious deaths in Kano.

The Minister who said this at the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, also disclosed that similar deaths were recorded in eight states of the federation. He assurred Nigerians that investigation which will explain the cause of death will soon be concluded.

On those who claim to have the cure for Coronavirus, Ehanire directed them to approach the the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). He also affirmed that the health ministry will ensure that hospitals across the country continue to deliver routine services in spite of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Osagie said;

“Nobody needs to give you permission to approach NAFDAC.

“Latest statistics from the National Health Management Information System indicates that out-patient visits dropped from four million to about two million and antenatal visits from 1.3 million to 655,000.

“Others include skilled birth attendance, from 158,374 to less than 99,000, while immunisation services reduced by about half.

“All these failings have yet undetermined consequences, which the easing of the lockdown should hopefully address.

“However, the suspected downside of easing restrictions has to be balanced off by citizens, with collective determination by all of us, not only to comply with protective and prophylactic advisories, but to encourage relatives, friends neighbours and customers to do same.

“Face masks should in fact become commonplace, and I look forward to seeing that cooks, stewards and food vendors, for example, wear masks or lose their customers.

“I wish to enjoin workplaces to institute such requirements and ensure that all workers are masked and knowledgeable about COVID-19, and by extension, share it with their families and relations”