From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Nasarawa State Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association (MNA), Dr. Peter Attah have disclosed that Lassa Fever has killed Dr Ahmed Isaiah, Doctor working at General Hospital Garaku, Kokona Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State.
Dr. Peter made the disclosure on Tuesday during a procession by the association in Lafia stressing that the Doctor died as a result of hazard related issues specifically Lassa Fever.
He explained that the Doctor died on December 31, 2022 at the National Hospital Abuja after brief illness.
“As an association, we got information when he was already dead, but from our investigation, the sickness started like fever, but he kept working even when he was on treatment.
“While on call on December 24, he collapsed at the theater when carrying out a surgery on a patient and his family had to rush him to the National Hospital for attention, but unfortunately we lost him, Dr Attach added.
He further said that it was after the dead of the Doctor that the sample taken came out and was found positive of Lassa Fever.
Attah lamented that the deceased had to go to work and carry out a surgery even when he was sick because they were only two at the General Hospital Garaku.
“How can only two Doctors handle the entire LGA of over 150, 000 population, the work load is too much.
“The government should employ more doctors and introduce incentives to curtail brain drain in the state,” he added.
He said that the deceased who graduated just five years ago, died in his prime and left behind wife, children and love once.
He also tasked the state government to increase hazard allowances of Doctors and commence the payment of call to duty allowances.
Daily Sun Reports that members of the association had a procession from the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) Lafia to the Nasarawa State Hospitality Management Board.
Addressing members of the association, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Hospital Management Board Egba Edogo consoled members of the association over the death of thier colleague who was a staff of the board.
He further said that the deceased was highly dedicated to his duty while alive and was good to those that worked with him, while stressing thag the source of the Lassa Fever on the deceased is not yet known, healthcare workers should have high suspicious index on any patient and taka precautionary measure when attending to them.
“The board is still shock over the demise and prayed God to give his love once the strength to bear the lost, forgive this shortcomings and grant him eternal rest.” He said.
