We didn’t detain COVID-19 patients, National Hospital management reacts

The National Hospital Abuja has reacted to reports that a COVID-19 patient has been detained in the hospital.

Mr Tayo Haastrup, Deputy Director and Head of Information and Protocol for the hospital, in a statement in Abuja, described the reports as false.

Haastrup said that more than 35 patients were admitted at various times and 27 of them had been discharged successfully.

According to him, the only patient, who refused treatment, stayed beyond 45 days.

“All our patients were discharged within three weeks of admission, following treatment with their full cooperation and in line with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) protocol on case management.

“We want to make it clear to the public that no patient is being detained in the hospital,’’ the statement read in part.

Haastrup said that in complaince with the review of protocol for isolation with the Ministry of Health and NCDC, patients who remained asymptomatic beyond 45 days, could be allowed to go home on self-isolation.

He said that with such review, a repeat test could be done after five to 10 days, to confirm if the patient has become negative.

He noted that the hospital would continue to support the government in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Haastrup also advised Nigerians to obey health guidelines by the National Committee on COVID-19 to curb the spread of coronavirus.