Governor orders firing and prosecution of hospital staff for selling donated items

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has ordered the firing and prosecution of staff at Umaisha General Hospital in Toto Local Government Area. This action follows claims that some staff sold medical equipment and other donations meant for the hospital.

Mr Sule announced this on Wednesday while commissioning ACReSAL heavy-duty equipment in Lafia, the state capital.

The governor's order came after reports that certain hospital staff had sold items donated by Sa’ad Abdullahi, a member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. Abdullahi represents Umaisha/Ugya Constituency.

The allegations gained attention after a video surfaced on social media on Monday. The video showed Mr Abdullahi visiting the hospital and demanding answers about the missing items.

He stated that he donated 50 fans, 50 orthopaedic mattresses, and other materials to help improve conditions for patients and support healthcare.

During his visit, Mr Abdullahi confronted the hospital management about the alleged sale of the donated items. He wanted to know how the items were handled after they were given to the hospital.

The situation led the state government to launch an investigation into the claims.

Governor Sule directed the Commissioner for Health to look into the matter. He insisted that any staff found guilty must be dismissed and prosecuted.

“I have already asked the Honourable Commissioner for Health to investigate, to dismiss and fire the hell out of them, and after that, to prosecute them,” the governor said.

He emphasized that simply firing the staff would not be enough. He believes those involved must face prosecution for allegedly denying patients items meant to help them.

“Firing them to go free will not give us peace of mind until we prosecute them for this inhuman attitude of theirs,” Mr Sule said. “We cannot tolerate that.”

The governor also instructed the Head of Service and the Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission to ensure that anyone found guilty faces the right disciplinary and legal actions.

He expressed that the alleged sale of items meant for patients is especially troubling, given its potential impact on healthcare services.

Mr Sule stressed that public servants must show integrity and patriotism, along with professional skills.

“Competence alone is not enough in public service. We need honesty and patriotism, especially in the health sector,” he said.

This incident has raised worries about how donated materials are monitored and managed in government health facilities. This includes items meant to enhance services for patients and healthcare workers.