Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, has said that health workers who participate in the treatment of coronavirus cases in Nigeria do so by choice.
According to him, the Federal Government does not compel any of them to be part of the work but rather strives to ensure those participating are well protected and appreciated.
Speaking during Thursday’s Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 pandemic, the minister also noted that the report that up to 300 heath workers had been invested was false.
He said those affected were about 113, which, he said, included those from private hospitals that do not have adequate equipment and expertise to handle the scourge.
Generally, Ehaniare advised Nigerians not to panic as the battle against the virus unfolds.
Noting that recovery rate was 95%, he added, “Nobody needs to really be afraid. The only problem is that coronavirus can affect a large number of people and overwhelm health system.
But there is no need for people to be afraid of stigma or go and hide. There is no need for anybody to want to take their lives.”