Doctors Condemned 22 Sept Schools Resumption, Ebola Should Be Given Time – NMA

Doctors throughout the federation have condemned the Federal Government decision on schools’ resumption date scheduled for 22^nd Sept instead of 12^th October. The sector through its governing body, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), said that all schools ought to remain shut till all those under surveillance for the Ebola Virus Disease in the country are certified free of the virus.

The body through its National Secretary-General, Dr. Olawunmi Alayaki even supposed government shift the resumption date till next year or in the next three months if that is the time it will take. Government should have enough time to follow the standard procedure for containing the virus.

“We are not happy with this decision on the resumption of schools. Schools should be shut till the last suspected case or patient is certified free of the virus,” the NMA said.

The NMA suggested that the resumption of schools could be shifted till December or early part of next year because if Ebola should spread to any school, it would “assume another dimension.”

“Parents have no reason to be   in a hurry because if Ebola should enter any school, it will assume another dimension. Children cannot survive isolation like adults.

“Nigeria is peculiar because of her large population and we should be pragmatic and proactive. It   will not augur well for the country if we have another outbreak due to carelessness.”

“The government knows that it takes a longer time for children to get used to the idea of hygiene and sanitation. They are even more vulnerable because they would play with each other whether they are sick or not.

“How many children know that they should use hand sanitisers or avoid contact with anybody that has fever?