COVID-19: NMA Chairman Recovers at Ibom Specialist Hospital

Dr. Nsikak Nyoyoko, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, who tested positive for COVID-19 has recovered.

He confirmed this on his social media account on Tuesday.

Nyoyoko said he discovered he had developed some symptoms of the disease after treating himself for malaria.

 “On Tuesday, the 16th of June 2020, I fell ill and commenced antimalarials immediately.

“The high fever and severe body pains became compounded by chills and rigors and nasal congestion even after completing the full course of antimalarials. Four days into these symptoms, precisely on Saturday, the 20th of June 2020, I developed some difficulty in breathing and had to be rushed to the isolation center at Ibom Specialist Hospital Uyo, Akwa Ibom State by my beautiful, darling, ever-supportive, and always-caring wife.

“I was admitted immediately that evening with a temperature of 38.3°c ( after taking antipyretics) and SPO2 of 97%.

“Two days later, I was confirmed COVID 19 positive but was too sick to cry. I kept hope alive with prayers and family support. My phone became my closest companion.”

He added that he was one of the 60 patients recently discharged from Ibom Specialist Hospital – 23 days after he was admitted into the isolation centre.

Nyoyoko praised the government in Akwa Ibom for “performing excellently” in the treatment of COVID-19 cases in the state.

“The State Government has left nothing to chance in this response. From the well-kitted personnel at the isolation centre, to the 24-hour power supply, to the free testing, to the free medications, free good food, free hospital stay, and care, to the ambulance services, accommodation for high-risk volunteers, the call center, the contact tracers and the hard-working Incident Management Committee, who meet daily to brainstorm on better ways to combat the pandemic,” he stated.

“The State Government has employed a lot of resources into this response and should be commended,” the doctor added.

The NMA Chairman said COVID-19 testing is now carried out at the newly built 300-bed capacity Isolation centre in Ituk Mbang General Hospital, Uruan and “this has improved the speed of diagnosis of COVID 19 and provided a more efficient response”.

“Everyone would agree that as part of the CONGLOMERATE of Healthcare Professionals in Akwa Ibom State, NMA Akwa Ibom State, under my leadership, was at the forefront of requesting for best practices in the management of COVID-19 in Akwa Ibom State.

“Everyone would also agree that the Government of Akwa Ibom State, led by our amiable and visionary Governor (Our NMA Healthcare Ambassador) has shown that it is a listening Government.”

He further applaud the government: “Let me use this medium, therefore, to applaud the Akwa Ibom State government, led by Deacon Udom Emmanuel, for the foresight to build a 300 capacity isolation center fully equipped even with a molecular laboratory that can test for COVID 19 as well as many other pathogens.

“This facility would outlive this pandemic and metamorphose into a research and training centre for other disease-causing agents. With the current increase in the number of positive cases nationwide, the new isolation center will serve and save the inhabitants of Akwa Ibom State”.

Nyoyoko also advised citizens to adhere to COVID-19 regulations: “COVID-19 is real! Everyone cannot be wrong and you are right. Please don’t get complacent but Keep practicing the NCDC/WHO COVID 19 prevention guidelines.

“Let me quickly remind you to use your facemasks at all times, maintain social distancing, wash hands regularly and stay at home as much as is feasible. Remain Safe.”