The Ogun State Government says it will be adopting a new strategy in the fight against COVID-19, with the introduction of Free Rapid Testing of residents in designated 10 General Hospitals.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker who made this known in an interview with newsmen in Abeokuta, said efforts were in top gear to begin the testing for all patients and interested members of the public.
Coker explained that its introduction would avail everyone who visits the designated hospitals for checkup or medical care, the opportunity to be tested for the virus, in order to ascertain their COVID-19 status.
Her words,"We are changing our strategy in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, as we are set to introduce free rapid testing for all residents who visit General hospitals across the State. Anyone who goes in for checkup or medical care in our hospitals would be tested for the virus free of charge".
The Commissioner, while urging residents that have been vaccinated in the first phase of the campaign to present themselves for the second dose of the vaccine, emphasised that it was important for them to be fully immunised against the virus.
She stated that government had given approval for the funding of Primary Health Centers (PHCs) on a monthly basis, adding that it had also flagged-off a 24-hour tricycle-ambulance and emergency service, just as it would increase its fleet from 22 to 34 before the end of the second-year anniversary of the present administration.
‘’A Community Midwifery Scheme will be launched later in the year, as a means to provide employment opportunities for resident midwives, who live close to PHCs, and the Ministry is also planning to create a SERVICOM desk, as a feedback mechanism to feel the pulse of the public for improved service delivery.
Meanwhile, as the world marks 2021 World Hypertension Day, Dr. Coker says the State in collaboration with the Federal Government had begun treatment and management of High Blood Pressure (HBP), also known as Hypertension, in Primary Health Centres and General hospitals at a subsidised rate.
Coker stated that this became imperative in the light of the recent increase in the number of people with HBP, saying early detection of the ailment could help in saving lives and preventing untimely deaths.
She maintained that the State remained committed to improving the wellbeing of its residents, advising people to always make use of the public health facilities in their respective communities.
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