NASARAWA GOV PROBES ALLEGED DIVERSION OF HOSPITAL MATTRESSES, FANS

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has ordered an investigation into allegations that mattresses and fans donated to Umaisha General Hospital in Toto Local Government Area were diverted from the facility.

The directive followed concerns raised by the lawmaker representing Umaisha/Ugya Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Ibrahim Abdullahi Sa’ad, over the whereabouts of items he said he personally donated to improve conditions for patients.

The donated items reportedly included 50 orthopaedic mattresses, 50 ceiling fans and 40 standing fans.

Sa’ad raised the concerns during a visit to the hospital, saying the items were not available for patients’ use when he inspected the wards.

Governor Sule described the allegations as unacceptable and directed the Commissioner for Health to conduct a detailed investigation to establish what happened to the equipment.

The governor also recommended that any healthcare workers found responsible should be dismissed and prosecuted, stressing that the alleged diversion of equipment intended for patients would not be tolerated in the state’s healthcare facilities.

Sule further directed the State Civil Service to work with the Ministry of Health to ensure that appropriate action is taken based on the outcome of the investigation.

However, Sa’ad later clarified that the equipment had been donated more than two years ago and said the Ministry of Health and Hospital Management Board had responded to the matter.

He explained that some of the items had reportedly been kept in the hospital store, while others were being used by staff members residing within the hospital premises.

The lawmaker said his concerns were motivated by the condition of patients and the need to ensure that donated materials serve their intended purpose.

He also stated that his intervention was not politically motivated and that his objective remained improving healthcare delivery for residents of his constituency.

The governor is expected to await the outcome of the investigation before determining further action against any officials found culpable.