The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo branch, has donated protective items to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) to support the response to COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

Presenting the materials, the state NMA Chairman, Dr. Valentine Omoifo, appreciated the UBTH management for protecting health workers while ensuring adequate healthcare even in the face of the pandemic.

This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen by the branch NMA Public Relations Officer, Dr. Eustace Oseghale, in Benin.

The association assured that the presentation of such items to UBTH would be sustained.

“This would be a continuous thing as more personal protective equipment and other materials will be provided to UBTH soon,” it said.

Receiving the items, the Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Darlington Obaseki, thanked the NMA for the support.

Obaseki informed them that the hospital gates remained open and the hospital currently has about 400 in patients.

“Though this is telling on the hospital revenue as materials to protect staff and patients are now very expensive,” he said.

Obaseki encouraged NMA affiliates to copy the emulate Edo NMA as the hospital needs support.

Reports said that the items presented included cacatin face shields, face masks, sanitizer, washing soap, and gloves.