Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has ordered the arrest and prosecution of health workers allegedly involved in the sale of medical equipment donated to a government health facility in Umaisha Development Area.
Sule described the alleged incident as a serious case of misconduct and corruption, saying public health workers must prioritise the welfare of patients and residents.
The governor issued the directive on Wednesday during the inauguration of newly appointed commissioners, special advisers, permanent secretaries and board members at the Government House in Lafia.
Governor Orders Investigation
Sule directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr Gaza Gwamna, to investigate the allegations and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
He said the equipment was donated by Ibrahim Abdullahi Sa’ad, the member representing Umaisha/Ugya Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly.
According to the governor, the lawmaker used his personal funds to purchase mattresses, ceiling fans and standing fans after becoming concerned about conditions at the primary healthcare facility.
However, Sule said Sa’ad later returned to the hospital and discovered that the donated items could allegedly no longer be accounted for.
The governor said he expected the Commissioner for Health to submit a report on the matter before the end of the week.
Lawmaker Confronts Hospital Officials
The governor’s directive followed a confrontation on Monday between Sa’ad and workers at General Hospital, Umaisha, over the equipment he said he donated to improve conditions for patients.
In a video that circulated on social media, the lawmaker questioned hospital officials about the whereabouts of dozens of orthopaedic mattresses, ceiling fans and standing fans.
Sa’ad reportedly demanded to know what happened to more than 50 mattresses, over 50 ceiling fans and about 40 standing fans he said he purchased for the facility.
He also expressed concern about reports that some of the mattresses were being moved between wards and demanded to see the items.
The state Ministry of Health is expected to investigate the allegations, establish what happened to the donated equipment and determine whether any health workers were involved in wrongdoing.
Sule also urged the newly appointed government officials to uphold transparency, accountability, professionalism and fairness in carrying out their duties.
Source: Nasarawa State Government.
