The Chukwumeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku Awka, Anambra State, has commenced massive production of personal hygiene products in response to the outbreak of coronavirus in Nigeria.
Dr Basil Nwankwo, the Chief Medical Director of COOUTH, made the pronouncement yesterday, shortly after receiving a container load of medical equipment donated by the Emeka Offor Foundation in Awka.
Speaking to newsmen on the readiness of the hospital to handle coronavirus cases, Nwankwo said the products which included hand sanitizer, hand soaps and bleach were both for internal use in the hospital and will also be available to the general public.
He said the COOUTH commenced the production in February 2020, in view of the possible inventory shortage as well as inflation as is currently being experienced due to high demand.
Nwankwo said that COOUTH had managed cases of Lassa Fever effectively in the past without effect on its staff assuring that the case would not be different in the case of coronavirus if it occurs.
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“The hospital has a template for effective management of cases which would be aligned with the state for a unified coronavirus response in Anambra.
“We are well ahead of time, in anticipation of a time like this, precisely last month, the hospital went into the production of personal care product like sanitiser, soap, bleach for our own internal use and to the public.
“We have a good stock of face mask and as events unfold, we will continue in the innovativeness that will help people survive the time,” he said.
Nwankwo thanked the Emeka Offor Foundation for the supply and pledged that it would be used judiciously.
CP Chris Ezike (Rtrd), who handed the medical equipment to the Hospital on behalf of Emeka Offor, said it was in fulfilment of his promise at the convocation of Chukwuemeka Odumegu Ojukwu University on Friday, March 20, 2020.
He said the supply which contained essential products were to be used for the purpose of humanity.
“I am here in fulfilment of that promise; this equipment and supply should be used in aid of humanity.
“As at this morning, about 14 units of 40-foot containers filled with medical equipment and supplies have been distributed and our target is that by the end of this year, we would have imported and distributed 100 40-foot containers of medical supplies across Nigeria.
“So, you are benefiting from the first phase just like National Orthopedic Hospital Enugu, we know that you are the training arm of medical students for COOUTH, it is in line with that we are delivering this equipment to you,” he said
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