The Ebonyi State Government has earmarked over N250 million to check Lassa fever epidemic in the state.

Last week, Governor David Umahi declared a state of emergency in the health sector following the increasing cases of Lassa fever in the state.

But on Thursday night, Umahi while inspecting the level of work done on the Lassa fever virology centre under construction by his administration at the Federal Medical Centre in Abakaliki, said that equipment for the centre had already been acquired.

He added that the approval of sum by the state Executive Council would ensure that the centre was up and running within the three- week timeline given to the committee in charge of the project.

The governor disclosed that the council also approved four ambulances and four dialysis machines to be stationed in designated hospitals in the three senatorial zones of the state and at the teaching hospital.

He said: “EXCO went further today (Thursday) to approve four ambulances to attack Lassa fever. One should be in Abakaliki here and one should be in each of the designated hospitals in the three senatorial zones.

“We have also directed that emergency building or caravan be constructed. It is not good to allow any suspected Lassa fever patient to go to our general hospital or primary health care centre because it could further spread and that is why we want to isolate any case identified through advocacy campaign.

“We have also approved as EXCO members four sets of dialysis machines apart from the other equipment associated with Lassa fever approved for the centre. One of the dialysis machines will be in the hospital here and one in each zone in the hospital of your choice.

“On the whole, we are spending close to N250 million to attack Lassa fever. About N64 million is going into the mini hospital and the lab. We have money for equipment, campaign advocacy and so on.”

Umahi lauded the management and staff of the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki and the Special Committee set up by his administration headed by the Secretary to State Government, Prof Barnard Odoh, for their sincerity and commitment to the fight against the virus.

Also on Thursday, the governor commissioned the Ezzambo/Federal Girls College street lighting project along the Enugu-Abakaliki highway.

Charging his aides to lay off workers found to be frustrating the programmes of his administration, Umahi appealed to all to work together for the development of the state.

•Photo shows Governor Umahi fielding questions from newsmen.

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