Most of the Nigerians who have died from COVID-19 are educated, well-to-do persons”- Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire

Dr Osagie Ehanire, the Minister of Health, has said that most of the persons killed by the novel Coronavirus in Nigeria are educated and well to do.

The Minister who disclosed this at the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in Abuja, said so far 191 deaths have been recorded from COVID-19 and that most of the Wealth-To-Do victims initially chose home-based care when they fell ill and were rushed to the hospital when they developed sudden complications.

“1,644 patients have been treated and discharged from care, but we have sadly recorded 191 deaths in 26 states and the FCT.

Even though this figure seems low compared to other countries, a disturbing picture emerging from statistics is that not only are most fatalities observed to be linked with preexisting diseases, many are educated, well-to-do people, who chose home-based care, where they develop sudden complication and have to be rushed to the hospital.

“Experience is showing that breathing 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.” he said

The Minister added

”We do not at any points support self-medication, and if you hear that anybody is taking self-medication at any time, it is definitely something prescribed by his or her doctor. There are medicines that should not be in your hands normally unless they are prescribed by the doctor.

There is a study being done about the efficacy of some drugs by five centres in our country and hydroxyl chloroquine is one of them. When the result comes out I will share with you. But again, stay with what your doctor has prescribed and do not start self-medicating otherwise you can do serious harm to your own self.”