The Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) has launched a tele-medical line to support the National Commission on Disease Control (NCDC) in its drive to reach those with the COVID-19 virus who are unable to access the designated isolation centres across the country.
 
The project, named ‘MMF MedAssist COVID Partner Line,’ is part of efforts to provide access to relevant and necessary medical advice, and medical and mental health support for those who may have been exposed to the virus across the country.
 
CEO of the foundation, Mrs Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, in a statement yesterday said: “COVID-19 has redefined for us a new normal and as the rest of the world is entering the second wave of the virus, this initiative will offer virtual healthcare delivery in collaboration with public and private healthcare providers.
 
“This is a response to the states and Federal Government’s call for additional call centre support and home therapy during the pandemic to support end-users and prevent a health crisis. The helpline for initial consultation and treatment will cost only N500 and will allow callers to consult with medical professionals virtually, who will be able to prescribe necessary treatment to forestall an escalation of symptoms.”
 
Muhammed-Oyebode recalled that “only recently, the Lagos Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed that many patients who tested positive with the virus refused to go to the isolation centres and prefer to self-medicate/treat, with some remaining untraceable having left incorrect contact information.
 
“About 75 per cent of those infected refuse to present themselves for admission at isolation centres in Lagos alone by this development, therefore, making it imperative for MMF to come up with this support.

“The dedicated MedAssist Telemedicine Hotline – 08180640000 – is poised to launch first in English and three main Nigerian languages of Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. Additional local languages will be added as the service expands,” Muhammed-Oyebode stated.
 
The MMF is a non-profit organisation founded on the ideals of the late Gen. Murtala Muhammed, Nigeria’s former Head of State, and it is dedicated to improving the quality of life of Africans by working on policy and advocacy for issues that impact on ethics, equity, good governance and economic empowerment, and providing medium term disaster relief.