The Cross River State Government has revealed that it only got 50 sample collection kits from the federal government and was asked not to use the locally available swab collection kits and therefore is heavily limited testing capacity.
The State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Betta Edu made this known while addressing the press on the efforts of the state towards tackling the pandemic.
Dr. Betta insisted that Cross River deserves commendation and not ridicule for how it has handled the COVID-19 and wondered why the NCDC is insisting that all states will case of Covid-19.
“We were told we are not testing enough and that is probably why we have not found a case. The total amount of sample collection kits that came from the Federal Government to Cross River State is 50 for a population of 4.5 million and we were asked not to use the locally available swab sample collection kits which we have, but we should use the one that was sent to us by the federal government.
“With 50 sample collection kits for a population of 4.5 million how many tests do you want Betta Edu and Cross River to produce in a week? My colleagues in other states are complaining that these items are not available yet we are expected to carry out community sample collection.” Betta stated.
Betta stated that she has informed health care workers in the state, to treat every case with caution but that the kits available have to be used only when necessary.
“For us as a State, with the limited number which we have, we decided that only people who meet the criteria sent to Cross River from NCDC that will be tasted.
“Due to pressure, 2 weeks ago we had to take samples from a patient at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital who by no means met the criteria. She has been having difficulty breathing since September of the previous year. No fever. No cough. Nothing else.” she added
Betta admitted that Cross River needs support from the federal, saying “As a state, we are crying out for federal support and we are yet to have that happen. All that was sent to us is 50 sample collection kits, 200 PPE’sa and of course, 4 body bags and 4 boots.”
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