Minister of Health, Osagie Ehaniare, has revealed that the percentage of well-to-do people dying from coronavirus in Nigeria is higher than than those of common people.
According to him, most of the 191 people who have died from the disease in Nigeria are from the elite or upper class.
This, he said, was due to the fact that the privileged class prefer home care until the disease became severe.
Ehaniare said during the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 briefing on Tuesday: “As we learn more about coronavirus every day, we must be ready to adjust our strategy, based on knowledge and evidence. As of Monday, we had sadly recorded 191 deaths in 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“Even though this figure seems low compared to other countries, a disturbing picture emerging from the statistics is that not only are most fatalities linked with pre-existing diseases, many are educated, well-to-do people, who chose home-based care, where they develop sudden complications and have to be rushed to hospital.
“Experience is showing that complications in COVID-19 patients can arise with little or no notice. This is an added reason why all persons should seek medical attention when they test positive.”
While noting that efforts were on towards getting a cure for the pandemic, the minister warned against self medication, including the use of Chloroquine:
“On chloroquine, first, we do not at any time or in any way support self-medication. If you hear that anyone is taking medication of any type, it has to be something prescribed by his doctor. There are medicines that should not be in your hands unless they are prescribed by your doctor.
“There are medicines over-the-counter that you can buy. But there are prescription medicines, which you should not have unless your doctor prescribes them,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha, has said that he has received the Madagascar drug which, he said, attracted no cost from the Federal Government.
