Leadership (Abuja)
Mansur Sani Malam
31 October 2009
Kano — Victims of the 1996 Pfizer Trovan drugs test in Kano and their relatives are to undergo DNA tests before the payment of their compensation, with a view to ascertain the genuineness of the claims they have made.
This was disclosed yesterday by the chairman of the Meningitis Board set up by the Kano State government, Justice Abubakar Bashir Wali, when the members of the Board paid a courtesy call on the Emir of Kano, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Bayero, in his palace.
He told the Emir that the purpose of having victims and their relatives undergo the DNA test was to ensure that only victims with the genuine record of blood test carried out at the Kano State Infectious Hospital would receive the compensation. He said that, " Only genuine claims would be entertained and be paid after rigorous checks.
Justice Wali explained that Pfizer has set up stringent measures for those who want to claim the compensation, and sought the Emir's permission to enlighten the people on the way and manner the compensation would be paid.
The chairman said due to the various efforts made by the Kano State government in terms of the compensation payment , Pfizer and the government settled the controversial case out of court, and an agreement was reached over the settlement exercise which include payment of $75 million by the Pfizer.
He also said the money will be paid as follows; $30million to the victims, $30 million to the people and Kano State government for the building of health posts and the provision of health facilities, $10million for legal fees and $5 million for sundry expenses.
Justice Wali said two boards have already been set up to ensure effective disbursement of the fund. They are Health Care Board with Prof. Shehu Ahmed Sa'id Galadanci as chairman, while members are Prof. Auwalu Yadudu, Arch. Ibrahim Haruna, Dr. Habibu Sadauki, Alhaji Adamu Aliyu Kiyawa and Alhaji Adamu Jafiya.
The Meningitis Board has Justice Abubakar Bashir Wali as chairman, members are Justice M.S.A Belgore, Prof. Isa Hashim, Dr. Musa Borodo, Prof. Mutassir Ibrahim and Dr. Prosper Ikechukwu Iboli, while Mr. David Odiwo is to serve as executive secretary and Umar Faruk Ibrahim from the Kano State cabinet office will also serve as Assistant secretary.
Responding, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Bayero called on pharmaceutical companies to ensure the standard of their drugs before being administered on human beings.
Alhaji Bayero said he was aware of the task before the Board, and urged them to ensure that their job is carried out with all the honesty it deserves.
He further commended the effort of the Kano State government in ensuring justice was done towards the settlement of the case as well as ensuring that compensation was paid to the victims.
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