The Private Sector Coalition against COVID-19 (CACOVID), being coordinated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has concluded plans to build medical facilities in the six geo-political zones of the country.
The apex bank hinted that the facilities would be located in Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Rivers, Enugu and Borno.
The Director of Corporate Communications, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, stated: “We are pleased to announce that work has begun in earnest to provide and equip medical facilities in the six geopolitical zones. This will involve the creation of testing, isolation and treatment centers, and include the provision of Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and molecular testing labs.
“We have started with Lagos (1,000 beds), Kano (500 beds), Rivers (210 beds), Abuja (200 beds), Enugu (200 beds), and Borno (200 beds), which we expect to be operational within 10 days”, he said.
The CBN further disclosed that the next phase would involve setting up similar facilities in Katsina, Ogun, Bayelsa, Anambra, Bauchi and Plateau to be ready within three weeks, adding that in the last phase, the coalition will set up more facilities within the next five weeks.
The statement noted that based on the population of Lagos, and the fact that it is the epicenter of this crisis, the special purpose vehicle will also be creating a permanent structure within the next 4 to 6 months.
“Teams have been set up and world-class standards are being employed to aggressively pursue a solution to this pandemic.
“This is a massive effort and all hands must be on deck, which is why at a time like this, it is critical we come together as one. Hence the need to channel all our efforts through the CACOVID umbrella” the CBN spokesperson added.
With a CBN account already opened for those who wish to make a monetary contribution to the project, the apex bank promised to provide a weekly update to keep the public abreast with how the life-saving initiative is being addressed with a monthly financial update to the contributors.
Source: Daily Trust newspaper
