Group tasks Gombe PHC’s to desist from hoarding PPE
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Facility managers in charge of selected Primary Health Centres (PHC’s) have been urged to desist from hoarding of Covid-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Speaking on Monday, at the distribution of Covid-19 Preventive Equipment, with support from United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), to 32 Primary Health Centres, across 2 Local Government Areas in Akko and Gombe, Bathsheba Kala, Clinic Officer, Gombe state Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), said the items must be used for the good of all and not to be kept.
She said, “We selected 32 clinics; 16 in Akko and Gombe LGAs, those are the clinics that have benefitted from the distribution. Personal Protective Equipment is very important at this crucial time, now that the second wave of Coronavirus is raging.
“The donation includes; surgical glove, examination glove, face shield to protect those in the maternity from splashes of blood and any other fluid as well as standard face masks.
“Several times, when items are distributed facility managers hoard it and they don’t give it out for use. I have spoken to them this morning that there is an NGO that will go round to investigate and see how well they are using the PPE. My call is for them to utilize these items, because they are items that ordinarily they can not take their money to buy so there is need to use it the way expected.”
Also speaking, Umaru Mohammed, Director Primary Health Care, Gombe LGA while commending the donors said some of the facilities experienced shortage the basic Personal Preventive Equipment.
“Due to the long time activities of Covid-19 in the state, we used to get it from Emergency Operation Centre. About five months ago we experienced a stock out with this reimbursement we can continue. I wish to urge the donors to continue supporting us because it is encouraging, we hope they will continue,” Mohammed said.
In separate interviews, some facility managers from the selected PHC which includes; Tumu, Bolari, Kumo, Garuko, Madaki, Gombe, bemoaned the dwindling supply of Personal Preventive Equipment at their centres, while promising to use the items donated for the good of clients.
