Gov Sule Orders Probe Into Missing Hospital Equipment

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has ordered an investigation into the alleged diversion of medical equipment donated to the General Hospital, Umaisha, in the Toto local government area.

Sule gave the directive yesterday in Lafia during the inauguration of new commissioners, following a viral video in which the lawmaker representing Ugya/Umaisha State Constituency, Ibrahim Sa’ad Abdullahi, alleged that the items he donated to the facility had been stolen.

The lawmaker said the items, which included over 50 ceiling fans, about 40 standing fans and 50 orthopaedic mattresses, could not be accounted for during a follow-up visit to the hospital.

Decrying the alleged act, Sule said anyone found culpable would not only be dismissed but prosecuted.

“I cannot see how somebody who works in the hospital will now allow himself to sell what somebody donated to help the vulnerable. I have already asked the commissioner for health to investigate, dismiss and prosecute them,” the governor said.

Sule added, “Firing those found guilty alone to go free will not give us peace of mind. We need to prosecute them for this inhuman attitude of theirs, to allow their people to die while they are enjoying the little money they sold the mattresses, probably at half price. This cannot be tolerated.”

Meanwhile, Sa’ad, in a statement issued in Lafia, said the Ministry of Health and the hospital’s management had responded swiftly to the issue, adding that clarification had been provided.

The All Progressives Congress lawmaker explained that the items were donated over two years ago, adding that some were kept in the hospital store. In contrast, others were being used in the hospital quarters by posted staff.

He stressed that his action was not intended to discredit the ministry or any of its stakeholders.

“This press statement is not aimed at discrediting the Ministry of Health, Nasarawa State, nor is it politically motivated to ridicule any stakeholder affiliated to the ministry. We are partners in ensuring that the health status of the indigenes of Umaisha/Ugya is an important index in measuring the success or otherwise of our people,” Sa’ad said.