Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has challenged manufacturers in the state to locally produce enough Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for those at the frontline of the fight to defeat the Coronavirus pandemic.

The State Commssioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, who revealed this during an interview with newsmen in Umuahia stated that Governor Ikpeazu has also assured that his government is ready to buy off all the gears produced by them as long as they pass through the scrutiny of relevant regulatory agencies and the state ministry of health.

Chief Okiyi who called on the people of the state to ignore rumor mongers and those he described as perpetual political propagandists who wish the state every conceivable evil, assured that no single incident of Coronavirus has been recorded in Abia State and reassured that the state has readied necessary infrastructure, protocols and manpower to deal with any possible outbreak in the state.

According to him, “we have mobilized all medical resources in the state to protect our people as well as integrated our medical systems to ensure effective response to any challenge we may face. We are uniquely positioned as a result of the past and ongoing efforts of Governor Ikpeazu to innovatively drive healthcare provision in the state using cutting edge technology, modern equipment and manpower that is second to none. According to our protocols, those who come down with suspected Coronavirus, as per WHO case definition, need not move themselves to our hospitals but only have to call our Tele-health center via 0700 2242 362 and we will dispatch an ambulance or a mobile clinic to safely transport the person to any of our 3 ready isolation centers in Umuahia and Aba”.

Chief Okiyi highlighted the PPE materials that can be produced by Aba manufacturers to include face masks, gloves, apron, jump suits, gowns, googles, helmets/caps and boots. He expressed the hope that local manufacturers will take advantage of this opportunity to create wealth from an otherwise challenging medical situation and asked those interested to contact the State Commissioner for Health for the specifications and further arrangements on bulk purchase by the state government.