MEDICAL DOCTOR IN AKWA IBOM DIES AFTER DISPLAYING COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
A medical doctor, Dominic Essien, has died in Akwa Ibom after displaying suspected symptoms of COVID-19.
The deceased who owns San Dominique Hospital, Uyo, was said to have been sick with fever, cough and shortness of breath for about one week.
The late Dr Essien was a renowned private practitioner, a physiotherapist and lecturer in the Department of Physiology, University of Uyo.
His condition was said to have aggravated with his peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SPO2) as low as 72 per cent, requiring him to be placed on oxygen at his clinic.
He was said to have been managed by specialists in respiratory medicine.
Following suspected symptoms of the Covid-19 displayed by the late doctor, his sample was said to have been taken and was awaiting transportation to the laboratory for COVID-19 testing.
Unfortunately, he died on Thursday over alleged absence of a ventilator in the IBH.
The state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) confirmed the death of Dr. Essien in a statement issued on Friday by the state chairman of the association, Dr. Nsikak Paul Nyoyoko.
Expressing sadness over the death of their colleague, Nyokoko said: “Today, we all have a reason to be sad.’’
“I was called last night by a colleague who intimated me that one of our colleagues was sick with a week history of fever, cough and shortness of breath which worsened yesterday with his SPO2 as low as 72 per cent, requiring him to be placed on oxygen at his clinic.’’
“I immediately called upon a member of the State #COVID19 Response Team to swing into action and somehow, later last night, our colleague was admitted into ISH and managed by specialists in respiratory medicine.’’
“With the symptoms elucidated above, a suspicion of COVID-19 was entertained and he had his sample taken today awaiting transportation to the laboratory for COVID-19 testing.’’
“Unfortunately, this revered colleague of ours died mid afternoon today (yesterday).’’
“Details of the case management are still sketchy as attempts to reach members of the Incident Management Committee (IMC) were unsuccessful as they were out for a meeting.’’
Comments