The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives [NANNM] in Lagos State has expressed concern over the working environment in which nurses have found themselves, saying the shortage of personal protective equipment and welfare packages had become worrisome.

While commending the efforts of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in leading a fight against the disease, the association, in a statement by the state chairman, Mrs Israel Blessing, lamented that three of its members had tested positive for the virus, while 25 others are in isolation.

It added,

“Most of the expected PPE are not available for use, hence nurses are being exposed to unnecessary risk. Presently, some of our nurses have tested positive for COVID-19 and have presented themselves at the isolation centre for management.

“These set of people will require immediate activation of their insurance policy. Also, about 25 nurses are on self-quarantine after being exposed to cases of COVID-19. This is telling on the already strained manpower at various health facilities, making the work overwhelming for nurses.

“There is need for improvement in provision and supply of personal protective equipment, which include surgical masks, N95 face masks, latex and elbow gloves, disposable gowns, etc. There is also need for concretised arrangements for insurance cover for nurses and upward review of the present ridiculous hazard allowance for all health care workers.”