NASARAWA GOVERNOR ORDERS INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED SALE OF HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has directed the state Commissioner for Health to investigate allegations that medical equipment donated to Umaisha General Hospital was diverted and sold.

The governor issued the directive on Wednesday following allegations raised in a viral video by Ibrahim Sa’ad, who represents the Ugya/Umaisha constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. Sa’ad alleged that orthopaedic mattresses and fans he donated to the hospital had been removed and sold.

Sule, who spoke during the inauguration of newly appointed commissioners in Lafia, expressed concern over the alleged disappearance of items meant to improve conditions for patients receiving treatment at the health facility.

The governor instructed the Commissioner for Health to establish what happened to the donated equipment and identify those responsible if the allegations are confirmed.

He warned that any official found culpable would face serious consequences, including dismissal from service and prosecution. Sule maintained that simply removing those involved from office would not be sufficient punishment for an offence involving items provided to support vulnerable patients.

The governor described the alleged diversion or sale of hospital equipment as unacceptable, stressing that medical items donated for public healthcare should be used for their intended purpose.

He also expressed concern about the impact such actions could have on healthcare delivery, particularly for patients who rely on government-owned health facilities and may already be facing difficulties accessing adequate medical care.

The allegations reportedly involve mattresses and ceiling and standing fans said to have been donated to the hospital. The items were intended to improve the hospital environment and provide better conditions for patients and healthcare workers.

Sule said he would await the outcome of the investigation before taking further action, while reiterating his administration's position that public resources and donations intended for citizens must be properly accounted for.

The investigation is expected to determine whether the equipment was actually diverted or sold and, if so, establish the individuals responsible for the alleged misconduct.