By Kemo Cham
The Medical and Dental Association of Sierra Leone (MDASL) says the measures so far being put in place by the government in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic aren’t adequate, and it is suggesting drastic measures.
The Council, in what it calls its position statement on the situation, is calling for an extension of the planned lockdown to 14-days, arguing that the three days intended by the government wouldn’t be enough.
The statement comes a day after the confirmation of Sierra Leone’s second case of the covid-19, who has been identified as a medical doctor.
The female practitioner is believed to have come in contact with many people, including colleague practitioners. And this worries the association which is calling on the government to do more to protect its members.
“As an association we are not happy with the measures that have been taken so far, namely testing of contacts. There is strong indication that there is already community transmission of the virus within the Sierra Leone population,” the association said in the statement signed by its President, Dr Delwin M. Findlay.
In addition to extension of the lockdown period, MDASL also made several recommendations it says would keep with stringent measures to control the virus, including provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and N95 masks to all health facilities for healthcare workers as the frontline against the disease.
It also called for the isolation of all 26 doctors and other staff at the Ola During Children's Hospital who are believed to be potential contacts of Case 2. They should be tested whether symptomatic or not, the association said.
The association also wants a designated and adequate facility to be made available immediately for affected frontline healthcare workers and it said the government should “strongly” consider all necessary support and compensation for frontline healthcare workers who will be risking their lives and those of their families to provide much needed service to Sierra Leone.
“The loss of our colleagues and other healthcare workers during the Ebola epidemic are still fresh in our minds,” said the statement which called on the Health Ministry to ensure that the virus is contained soon.
Both case one and case two are linked to the association. Case one is married to a medical doctor.
“We want to express our strongest show of solidarity to these colleagues and their families as they get through this challenging moments. We want to express our firm support and also called on the public to show solidarity to all healthcare workers, including those who may have directly or indirectly come in contact with the confirm case,” the association added.
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