44 days after 15 Chinese doctors allegedly arrived in Nigeria to help tackle the outbreak of coronavirus in the country, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) said that the doctors’ mission in Nigeria is not to treat cases of coronavirus.
In a statement on Friday, May 22, 2020, the company said the medical experts have not treated any coronavirus patients since their arrival in Nigeria since their mandate in the country does not cover that.
Furthermore, the CCECC said the medical team helped set up isolation centers and advised the company’s employees on how to avoid the virus.
However, the company added that the doctors are willing to share their experiences with Nigerian health officials on fighting the pandemic.
The statement reads in part, “After a 14-day quarantine and necessary tests, the medical team has been carrying out its assigned mission.
“The medical personnel are in Nigeria at the instance of CCECC Nigeria and they have been at all times under the care and accommodation of CCECC
“During their stay in Nigeria, they have complied with all known immigration and health protocols.
“It is important to reiterate that the mandate of the team, as mutually agreed with all stakeholders, does not cover treatment of COVID-19 cases. The team is therefore not treating any COVID-19 cases. In dealing with both the CCECC and the Nigerian health officials, the team only play an advisory role.
“They would continue to engage with CCECC management and staff will always be willing to engage with Nigerian health officials and other stakeholders whenever and wherever it is necessary to do so.”
Meanwhile, the doctors’ whereabouts have recently caused controversy in the country, as health minister Osagie Ehanire told journalists not to ask him about the medical team.
