Despite the pledge by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, to make the 425 Catholic Hospitals in the country available to the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 as isolation centres, the well being of patients of the hospitals would not be jeopardized.
This assurance was given by the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev Alfred Adewale Martins to assuage the fears of patients of the hospitals over the health consequences of such an action. In a recent release personally signed by the Archbishop, he noted that the announcement has generated anxiety among many people who use the Church’s Health facilities and those who manage them. Said he,
“We would like to state clearly that the health facilities would be used for that purpose only if State Governments formally request for their use from the Jurisdictions concerned and if it is mutually agreed that the facilities are suitable for the purpose.” He said the Archdiocese was yet to be approached for the use of any of its health facilities. “If and when the request is made and there is an agreement for its use, there would be adequate information given to everyone concerned.
We therefore urge all those who use our health facilities, as well as the management and staff to continue to go about their normal duties.” While assuring that the facilities will remain open as usual and will continue to offer the quality services that they offer in a safe and secure environment, he urged the people not to entertain the fear that they would contract Coronavirus by using any of Church’s health facilities.
