Medical doctor, Dominic Essien dies of coronavirus in Akwa-Ibom

Dr Dominic Essien, a medical doctor has been confirmed dead after showing symptoms of COVID-19.

The Akwa-Ibom State branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State confirmed this on Friday,

Dr Nsikak Nyoyoko, the State Chairman who made this known while addressing members of the association in Uyo on Friday said the Physiotherapist, had a week history of fever, cough and shortness of breath which worsened on Thursday.

He said, “I immediately called upon a member of the State COVID-19 Response Team to swing into action and somehow, later last night, our colleague was admitted into ISH and managed by specialists in respiratory medicine.

“With the symptoms elucidated above, a suspicion of COVID-19 was entertained, and he had his sample taken today awaiting transportation to the laboratory for COVID-19 testing.

“Unfortunately, this revered Colleague of ours died mid-afternoon Thursday. Details of the case management are still sketchy as attempts to reach members of the Incident Management Committee (IMC) was unsuccessful as they were out for a meeting.”

Nyoyoko while sympathizing with the doctor’s family, urged all members to remain calm and stay safe.

He said the deceased was a renowned private practitioner, a physiotherapist and a lecturer in the Department of Physiology, University of Uyo.

“It is a sad day for us at NMA Akwa Ibom State but be rest assured that the lessons learnt from this tragic event would not pass in vain.”