The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has said the Federal Ministry of Health has shortlisted for further investigations, three Nigerian drugs, which have the potential to cure COVID-19 or treat its symptoms.
The PUNCH had on Tuesday exclusively reported that the Federal Ministry of Health was screening 19 local firms for production of herbal drugs that could possibly treat or cure COVID-19.
The Minister of State for Health, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, who confirmed the screening to The PUNCH, said the companies had been asked to submit samples of their drugs.
The minister also stated the country had 112 treatment and isolation centres in the 36 states and the FCT with a total of 5,324 beds.
Increasing cases could exceed govt’s capacity to cope – Health minister
The minister said,
“Though not surprising, we are concerned about the increasing number of confirmed cases. This is because very high cases could seriously exceed the capacity of our health system to cope.
Routine cases may also suffer as a result. Therefore, non-pharmaceutical preventive approach is still our best strategy.
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“At present, we have a total of 112 treatment and isolation centres in all the 36 states and the FCT with 5,324 beds.
While only five states including the FCT have at least 300 beds as prescribed for isolation and treatment, 21 states have less than 100 bed spaces.