The Bauchi State Government has uncovered more than 100 ghost workers in the state’s health sector and has vowed to take firm action against those involved.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday in Bauchi, the Executive Chairman of the State Hospital Management Board, Mr. Sambo Alkali, said the discovery was made during an ongoing verification exercise across health facilities.

“We are currently carrying out a verification exercise to identify ghost workers in our facilities. So far, we have discovered over 100 ghost health workers, and their cases will be forwarded to the governor for sanctions,” Alkali stated.

He explained that the findings would be submitted to Governor Bala Mohammed for appropriate action in line with civil service rules.

On addressing manpower shortages, Alkali noted that the governor had approved a special engagement scheme that enabled the recruitment of more than 40 doctors, ranging from consultants to medical officers, who have now been deployed to facilities based on specific needs.

He further revealed that the state health committee had been directed to design a new healthcare scheme of service that would harmonise salaries with federal standards, making Bauchi more competitive and attractive for medical professionals.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Mr. Muhammed Dambam, highlighted Governor Mohammed’s commitment to tackling child malnutrition. He said the state is collaborating with partners to establish Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) centres.

Dambam added that the governor has also approved the recapitalisation of the State Drugs and Medical Consumables Agency with ₦250 million — the same amount released in 2024 — to ensure steady supply of essential drugs and medical materials.

The government emphasised that while it is investing in strengthening healthcare delivery, it will not tolerate fraud or ghost workers draining the system.