Why we commissioned COVID-19 ICU despite zero case – UMTH

The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has commissioned a 36-bed COVID-19 isolation centre and a molecular laboratory.

It said though Borno State was yet to record any coronavirus case in recent time, the facilities were commissioned in preparation for the deadly Delta variant of the virus, already spreading in some countries.

The chairman, Board of Management of the hospital, Hadi Ukashatu Gumel, stated this while commissioning the projects in Maiduguri at the weekend.

He stressed that it was important to take precautionary measures against the deadly virus.

“We thank the federal government that has made these facilities available through its intervention. I have just discussed with the head of department that conducted us round and he said in the past six months, no patient has been admitted.

“Preparation ahead of time is the reason for these projects, and we have come to commission them in case the need arises. So if it arises, we will be able to handle it. I am sure with the number of professionals around, UMTH will be able to handle it,” Gumel said.

The Chief Medical Director of UMTH, Prof. Ahmed Ahijo, said the projects were part of the federal government’s efforts to ensure that every case of COVID-19 is given adequate attention and treatment.

“The preparation the federal government is making is to ensure that should there be any patient, such will be treated appropriately.

“So, as a result of that, the federal government came up with a COVID-19 intervention programme that it funded itself. And it is not in UMTH alone, but also other teaching hospitals and medical centres across the country.

“The scope of the work is divided into four. One of it is to ensure that the isolation centre is equipped.