Doctor Dies Of Lassa Fever In Nasarawa State
A doctor in Nasarawa State has died of Lassa fever says Dr. Peter Attah the Nasarawa State Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).
Dr. Peter Attah made the disclosure at a procession by the NMA on Tuesday (January 10, 2023) in Lafia in honour of the deceased Dr. Ahmed Isaiah.
The members of the association had a procession from the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) Lafia to the Nasarawa State Hospitals Management Board.
The Nasarawa State NMA Chairman said the deceased doctor by name Dr. Ahmed Isaiah 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.
Until his demise, Dr. Ahmed Isaiah was working at General Hospital Garaku, Kokona Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State.
“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 Attah added.
He further said that it was after the death of the doctor that results from the sample taken came out and it was found to be positive of Lassa Fever.
Dr. 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 loved ones.
He also tasked the state government to increase hazard allowances of Doctors and commence the payment of call-to-duty allowances.
Addressing the association, Egba Edogo, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Hospital Management Board consoled the association over the death of their colleague who was a staff of the board.
He said the deceased was highly dedicated to his duty while alive and was good to those that worked with him.
He further said that the board is still in shock over the demise and prayed God to give his love ones the strength to bear the loss, forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest.
The CMD said that even though the source of the Lassa Fever is not yet known, healthcare workers should have high suspicious index on any patient and take precautionary measures when attending to them.
