By Daniel Ayantoye
The Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Alh. Atolagbe Alege has opened up on reason he is yet to visit the Oro-Ago community, Ifelodun Local Government Area following the outbreak of strange ailment that allegedly claimed lives of no fewer than 74 lives.
Speaking in a telephone chat with this medium last night, Alege who said is visit would not be of significance, adding that the case at hand required proactive measures
The commissioner said he is being adequately briefed by members of the health team on the field.
“It is not until I show myself there before people can get treatment. We have started collecting samples and commenced treatment. Our team is in Offa and will be moving to Oro-Ago tomorrow (Thursday) before proceeding to Babanla and Oreke.
“I have gotten reports of somewhere at Lafiagi, we will be going there. It’s not compulsory that they should see me in Oro-Ago.
“We have started treatment of people around the settlement, we have just sent another 8 samples and sensitising people on the need to move people to facilities around them anytime any case is detected.
“I cannot do everything by myself; as the commissioner I monitor, put people on field, review situations and brief the governor on what is happening, “ he added.
On the abandoned General Hospital , Oro-Ago, the commissioner said the health facility will soon be rehabilitated for use.
“Governor Abdulfattah Ahmed has directed that we revive the General Hospital at Oro-Ago and put it in proper shape. Our people have visited the place, it will be cleared and within a short time, it will be put to proper use”
Meanwhile, the President of Ogo-Aro Development Union (ODU), Mr. Richard Olusola, chastised the commissioner for not visiting the community since the outbreak of the strange disease.
Speaking in an interview with our reporter, Olusola said, “The commissioner is yet to visit the town and the people are not happy about this. What we feel is that government does not consider us as important but then we can’t fight them.
“Initially the commissioner felt we were raising false alarm but now I believe he thinks otherwise. He promised to visit and do something about the General Hospital, however we are still awaiting his coming,” he further said.
He disclosed that the death rate as reduced drastically to two per week given the efficacy of orthodox medicine.
“The Jowuro of the Fulani has informed me that they have resorted to their own traditional medicine and it is having impact. The death rate has reduced, what record now is two deaths in one week,” he added.
