By Ado Hassan, Sokoto
AMIDST the rising statistics of COVID-19 cases in the state, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has on Friday geared up efforts to brace existing measures against its spread in the state with the inauguration of a rapid response volunteer team of retired health professionals.
Tambuwal explained that the move to create the volunteer group was borne out of the administration’s desire to curtail the spread of the disease as well other deadly ailments.
Similarly, the governor gave kudos to President Muhammadu Buhari and the minister of health for dispatching health practitioners to train health workers in the state.
The governor while addressing the first batch of the 1000 volunteers at Kasarawa International Conference Center, Sokoto, stated that in addition to the allowance that has been earmarked for them, the state government will pay additional 50 per cent in order to boost their morale to work well.
The development, coming on the heels of the increasing number of cases on the pandemic, is the first of its kind in the country initiated to be in force by his administration as a proactive strategy to curtail the spread of the deadly disease in the state.
However, Tambuwal further said the milestone was a climax of more than two weeks persistent appeals by the governor to persuade retired health workers willing to get re-engaged come forward.
According to Tambuwal ” not only because there was need to end the spread of COVID-19 but also to improve the healthcare system in the state.”
He noted that although, the state had no much to give to the volunteers, pointing out that the token and their zeal to rid the state of illnesses would reciprocate the quantum of relief packages that has come the way of the state since the pandemic broke out.
Accordingly , the governor applauded billionaire business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of Nigerian Flour Mill, Mr John Coumantaros, BUA Cement Company, UBA, ACCESS Bank, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto and the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto for their sustained donations and partnership with the state to enable it combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tambuwal , who while appreciating the work of the state task force on COVID-19 led by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Muhammad Ali Inname, also commended the kindness and courage of the volunteers, especially in case management of the disease and their direct relationship with the patients.
Briefly explaining the modalities of engaging the team of volunteers, the state Commissioner of Health and Chairman COVID-19 Taskforce, Dr Mubammad Ali Inname, said about 10,000 people have shown interest to participate in the volunteers scheme.
According to him, no fewer than 44 doctors, 106 nurses, 30 medical laboratory scientists , 15 pharmacists , environmental health workers and some private individuals.
Dr Inname assured the volunteers of state government’s maximum support and cooperation
