Gas Explosion Victims At CBN Calabar Out Of Danger List In UCTH—CMD Thomas Agan

Prof. Thomas Agan, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent in Calabar.

Agan, also Chairman, Committee of CMDs and Medical Directors, Federal Tertiary Hospitals, however, said that a number of fatalities were recorded out of 16 persons initially admitted at the UCTH.

“Two died on arrival. On the whole three persons died on day one while the fourth died the following day.Two out of the four victims brought in critical conditions have been discharged. One of the discharged is a woman with a history of asthma.

“The other one with head injury was also discharged after examination by a Neuro-Surgeon. Virtually all of the victims have been discharged except five who are all doing well,” Agan said.

He said that the UCTH health team had been taking care of the victims of gas explosion.

“Basically we are taking care of their burns, infections and protecting the victims. They are out of danger list.

“As we are talking, they are communicating with family members. Three of the survivors are likely going home on or before Tuesday next week depending on their response to treatment.Two of the survivors will still stay back for observation and care,” he said.

“We were able to cope because we are one of the largest tertiary hospitals with good and dedicated manpower. We belief in saving lives first.When we received information on the incident, we mobilised the ambulances, nurses, doctors and every staff that could render help to the casualty unit and the CBN.

“Right now, no relatives of the victims has been asked to pay a dime since the patients were admitted. Every expenses is borne by the UCTH and occasionally, CBN,” Agan said.

He also commended the CBN’s management for its prompt response, concern and standing by the affected staff.

“Our joy is that we had a trained emergency response team that met the challenge posed by the gas explosion incident at CBN, Calabar. But we still require assistance from all stakeholders.

“We will appreciate if individuals, corporate organisations and government at all levels assist in providing the UCTH with a state-of-the-arts facilities.This will encourage Medical Tourism in Cross River state,” Agan said.