EBOLA: MDCAN URGES HOSPITALS TO ACTIVATE ISOLATION CENTRES, BOOST SURVEILLANCE

The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria has called for stronger hospital preparedness following the confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory.

MDCAN urged federal and state governments to activate isolation centres, strengthen surveillance and ensure that health workers have adequate protective equipment.

The association’s president, Chidi Ndukuba, said Nigeria should apply lessons from its 2014 Ebola response, including coordinated emergency operations and close monitoring of people who may have been exposed.

The group also called for improved screening at entry points and stronger infection prevention measures in public and private hospitals.

MDCAN stressed the need for running water, diagnostic equipment, protective supplies and properly equipped isolation facilities. It also recommended regular training for frontline health workers.

Medical consultants were advised to remain alert when assessing patients with symptoms or exposure histories that could suggest Ebola, and to follow established safety procedures.

While expressing confidence in the authorities’ ability to contain the infection, the association said effective coordination and investment in hospital readiness remained essential.

Its appeal places particular emphasis on protecting healthcare workers while ensuring suspected cases are identified and managed promptly.