The Edo Commissioner for Health, Dr Patrick Okundia, has assured of the state’s readiness to effectively handle any coronavirus infection when it hosts the 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) in Benin.
Okundia gave the assurance on Wednesday in Benin while addressing members of the NSF Inspection Committee on COVID-19, set up by the National Council of Sports.
According to reports that the members were in the state on a tour of health facilities.
“Our level of preparedness in tackling the outbreak of coronavirus has improved.
“Government has added more facilities to what was on the ground towards the end of March when the festival was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We have treatment centres in the state’s three senatorial districts. Here in Benin, we have a 342-bed facility at the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, which has been designated for COVID-19 treatment.
“The Stella Obasanjo hospital has everything that is being required for the treatment of COVID-19.
“We also have holding and treatment centres in Ogbe and Edo Central Hospital.
“The Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) for coronavirus response in the state is also not far from us.
“We have been ready to host the festival, and I believe we are better in our readiness this time,’’ the commissioner said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the inspection committee, Tonobok Okowa, said all the facilities mentioned by the commissioner would be inspected.
“All the facilities listed will be looked at. I and my colleagues know that if you have all these facilities ready, our job will be easier than we think”, he expected.
