COVID-19: Abia raises alarm as medicine dealers take over treatment of patients

The Abia State government said that it has uncovered what it described as the “unwholesome” activities of patent medicine dealers who now treat COVID-19 carriers in their facilities.

The state government in a release signed by Barr. Chris Ezem, the Secretary to Abia State Government (SSG) and also the chairman, Inter-Ministerial Committee on COVID-19, Abia State announced ban on any form of cultural and traditional festivals across the 17 local government areas of the state till further notice.

Barr. Ezem said that the state government found the act by the patent medicine dealers as disturbing; stressing that the Gov. Ikpeazu led administration is more concerned about the safety of its citizens and the dangers owners and attendants at the drug stores face following their inability to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols and guidelines.

According to Ezem, the state government in a renewed vigor to avert further community spreading of the deadly COVID-19 Pandemic in the State has directed the commencement of community testing in all the LGAs in the State.

Information has it that the governor will be flagging off a COVID-19 Sensitization Committee across the 17 LGAs in the State; with a major flag-off at Aba South LGA Town Hall.

The state government used the opportunity to call on Aba South, Abians among other residents to present themselves for the all-important exercise holding on the 19th of August.

“Government has noticed an unwholesome trend where most Patent Medicine Dealers are now treating suspected COVID-19 patients in the State.

“The trend is not only worrisome as the government is concerned more about the safety and exposure of our Patent Medicine Store Dealers/Pharmacists.

“Consequently, the Government will be holding Interactive Sessions with this group on COVID-19 and their expected roles on 20th August, 2020 at Michael Okpara Auditorium.”