The CEO Hi-TECH Diagnostics Ltd., Chief Samuel Ohiri, says the discovery of dexamethasone is a major breakthrough for the cure of COVID-19.
By Ikenna Osuoha
The Chief Executive Officer, Hi-TECH Diagnostics Ltd., Chief Samuel Ohiri, says the discovery of dexamethasone is a major breakthrough for the cure of COVID-19 for third world countries.
Ohiri, who was reacting to the World Health Organisation on the discovery of dexamethasone as steroid for COVID-19, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
Ohiri, who is a medical laboratory expert, said that the steroid was affordable at five pounds (N15,000), describing the feat as a great news for third world countries being ravaged by poverty.
“We in the third world countries with little or no resources can comfortably afford the drugs.
“And dexamethasone has been very effective in the treatment of skin inflammation and severe acute respiratory syndromes right from 1960s,” he said.
Ohiri explained that the steroid had the potency of reducing COVID-19 mortalities from 50 per cent 15 per cent.
“About 50 per cent of patients’ severe acute respiratory syndromes who are placed on ventilators do not survive, but this steroid will reduce deaths by one-third,” he said.
He expressed delight over the discovery, described it as respite for patients in severe conditions and the world at large.
Ohiri, who is also the Chairman, Imo Council of Traditional Rulers, however, said that consistent education and awareness on the dangers of COVID-19 were needed out for communities’ safety.
He decried the level of ignorance about the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic and called on traditional institutions as well as religious institutions to take the lead in mass sensitisation.
“COVID-19 is real and very deadly, so let everyone continue to stay safe by washing hands, observing social distancing and take dexamethasone if infected.” (NAN)
