News

COVID-19: Chinese Medical Team Stranded In Nigeria

COVID-19: Chinese Medical Team Stranded In Nigeria

 

 

The Chinese medical team which arrived Nigeria on April 8 has been unable to leave the country following the unavailability of commercial flights to Beijing, the capital of China.

It was gathered that the personnel had concluded their assignment, which included assisting with the installation of some equipment and sharing COVID-19 experience with the Federal Government.

The 15-man team, which includes experts in infectious diseases, respiratory illness, intensive care, cardiology, neurology, general surgery, anesthesiology, and a journalist, had come to the country on the invitation of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

The Executive Director, CCECC, Mr. Jacques Liao, disclosed in Abuja on Monday, that the team had been unable to leave the country because there were no commercial flights.

He explained that the medical experts were still at the Idu area of Abuja where they were accommodated.

The Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, had said during a briefing by Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 that he did not know the whereabouts of the Chinese visitors, stressing that they were not guests of the Federal Government but that of the construction company.

But shedding light on the situation, Liao stated that the personnel were supposed to spend one month in the country, adding that they were issued three-month visas.

He said, “They (Chinese medical team) are waiting for their flight and this depends on when the airspace would be opened. You know, they came by a charter flight because of the personal protective equipment and other medical materials they brought, but they can’t go back by charter flight, so they are waiting for regular commercial flights.

“They are still here (in Abuja) and they would still assist the Ministry of Health anytime they require their assistance.”

Angela Davies

Recent Posts

Court Dismisses Case Against #EndBadGovernance Protesters

The court has dismissed the case against #EndBadGovernance protesters.   Glamtush reports that a Federal…

7 mins ago

FG Terminates ₦740bn Abuja-Kaduna Road Contract With Julius Berger Over Non-Performance

FG has terminated the ₦740bn Abuja-Kaduna road contract with Julius Berger over non-performance.   Glamtush reports…

27 mins ago

Ekiti Chief Judge, Adeyeye, Dies At 64

Ekiti Chief Judge, Adeyeye, has died at 64.   Glamtush reports that Justice Oyewole Adeyeye,…

1 hour ago

Access Bank Wins Best Digital, Best Website At 2024 Digital Jurist Awards

Access Bank PLC has been named the 2024 Best Digital Award winner in the Commercial…

2 hours ago

Top Summary From Nigerian Newspapers For Tuesday, November 5th, 2024

The top summary from Nigerian newspapers for Tuesday, November 5th, 2024, can be accessed on…

2 hours ago

Ekiti Governor Honours Primate Ayodele’s Late Father, Names Street After Him

The governor of Ekiti state, Biodun Oyebanji has honoured Primate Elijah Ayodele’s late father by…

14 hours ago