The Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha is worried over the country’s healthcare system.
Mr. Mustapha stated this on Thursday while briefing the leadership of the National Assembly and members of the Presidential Taskforce on the work done so far on the situation of the outbreak and the effects on Nigerians.
He asked the National Assembly to come up with a framework that will transform and reform the health sector, adding that should the cases increase the country’s healthcare will not be able to contain it.
“I can tell you for sure that I never knew our entire healthcare was in the state at which it is until I was appointed to do this work.
“Our health infrastructure is in the most deplorable state if countries in Western Europe or America can be overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic, my prayer is that we don’t get to that stage.
“We do not have an infrastructure that can carry that burden”, he added.
The PTF Chairman also called for transparency and accountability, noting that the committee will not be directly responsible in the disbursement of cash donations for COVID-19.
However, Senate President Ahmed Lawan on his part criticised the lack of coordination in the management of donations from corporate organizations to address the pandemic.
He said there must be a central body and not the PTF who should receive and manage the funds based on the constitution.
He, however, advised the Task Force to have a better coordination of the donations received from public-spirited individuals, corporate bodies and Institutions to avoid duplications or the relevant bodies working at cross purposes.
“But let me also say that this is a partnership. As you work from that side of government, we are to work with you from this side and it will take the two arms, particularly the Executive and Legislature, to implement the kind of efforts to manage and control the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
“So I want to commend you for the work you have been doing. I want to also take this opportunity to commend the Nigerian medical personnel. They have been doing quite a lot and of course commend Nigerians for showing understanding and supporting government in its effort to manage and control the Coronavirus.
“Let me also commend those who have made donations for the government to have the resources to address this situation and also those who have been praying in our mosques, in our Churches for the Intervention of the Almighty God,” Lawan said.
The meeting was also attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase, principal officers and members of the relevant Senate and House Committees.