The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has distanced itself from the recommendation by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State that Chloroquine and Zithromax be used for treatment of COVID-19.
The medical association told the governor that such a directive was both improper and unethical.
Governor Mohammed who is Bauchi state’s COVID-19 index case, on Thursday, authorized the use of Chloroquine and Zithromax for treatment of the dreaded disease in the state. He said he is ready to take responsibility for any consequence of approving such drugs.
Reacting to the Governor’s order, the NMA in a statement signed by its President, Dr. Francis Faduyile, and made available to reporters in Abuja on Friday urged political leaders to desist from distracting health workers with their pronouncements.
“The Association bemoans the rather meddlesome pronouncements by some state actors on the management protocols for COVID-19 in the country,” NMA said.
“In particular, we view the directive by the Bauchi State Governor for the use of a specific drug in the treatment of positive cases as improper and unethical.
“Medical doctors have the prerogative to use whatever treatment regimen they consider best based on evidence and presentation of the patients.”
The NMA said political leaders should rather provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), incentives and other tools for health workers to perform their duties accordingly.
“Instead, they should encourage them through the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), incentives and communication tools to interact with peers within the country and overseas as it is customary in the world of medical science to arrive at the best possible interventions for their patients,” the statement added.
