Nasarawa To Review Welfare Package For Health Workers To Stem Brain Drain

A viral video posted by a concerned citizen has triggered immediate reforms in the Nasarawa State health sector, forcing the State Government to move to review the welfare package of medical and health workers to check brain drain and improve service delivery.

The video, which circulated widely on social media platforms, had called the attention of Governor Abdullahi A. Sule to the dire situation at the General Hospital, Nasarawa, where patients were left stranded as a handful of overstretched health workers struggled to cope.

Acting swiftly on the Governor’s directive for an immediate investigation and solution, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gwamna Gaza, led a team of top officials of the ministry on an unscheduled assessment visit to the facility.

Dr. Gaza disclosed that government is working on an improved welfare package aimed at attracting and retaining the best brains in the medical profession to man state-owned health facilities, a move described by stakeholders as a major morale booster for workers who have long decried poor remuneration.

While commending the lady who authored the video for her civic vigilance, the Commissioner said the Ministry welcomes constructive public scrutiny as a tool for accountability.

He, however, gave insight into what transpired on the day in question, explaining that weekends usually witness low patient traffic at the hospital, but that the midwife on duty had an unusual surge.

“The midwife on duty made an error of judgement. When she observed more patients than usual, she failed to call for assistance from nurses who were on duty in other sections of the hospital,” Dr. Gaza stated, assuring that administrative measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence.

Beyond the hospital incident, the Commissioner’s visit also provided reassurance at a time of heightened anxiety over a suspected Ebola Virus case in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Do not panic, Dr. Gaza told residents of Nasarawa State. He revealed that government has activated its surveillance systems across all wards and Local Government Areas, with Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers sensitized, isolation centres activated and all health facilities placed on red alert to promptly detect symptoms and activate treatment protocols.

He lauded Governor Sule for his proactive leadership and for approving emergency funds to mitigate not just Ebola, but other recurring outbreaks such as Lassa fever.