Nasarawa Gov Sule orders probe, arrest over missing hospital equipment

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has ordered the arrest and prosecution of health workers accused of selling hospital equipment donated to a healthcare facility in Umaisha Development Area.

Sule described the alleged sale as a serious act of misconduct and corruption, saying such behaviour showed a lack of concern for patients and the healthcare needs of residents.

The governor gave the directive on Wednesday while inaugurating eight commissioners, special advisers, permanent secretaries and board members at the Government House in Lafia.

He directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr Gaza Gwamna, to investigate the matter and ensure that anyone found responsible was prosecuted.

Sule said the equipment was donated by Ibrahim Abdullahi Sa’ad, the member representing Umaisha/Ugya Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, who reportedly bought the items with his personal money.

“A very honourable member from Umaisha/Ugya recently bought a lot of mattresses and all kinds of fans, standing fans, ceiling fans and the rest of that because he was concerned about what his local primary healthcare was undergoing.

“Few days back, he returned there and discovered that the officials of the hospital had actually sold those items. This is a terrible thing that will happen if you have people who do not mean well for Nasarawa State,” he said.

The governor said he expected the Health Commissioner to submit the outcome of the investigation by the end of the week.

The directive followed a confrontation on Monday between Sa’ad and staff members of General Hospital, Umaisha, over the missing equipment.

In a video shared on social media, the lawmaker questioned hospital officials about the whereabouts of 50 orthopaedic mattresses, more than 50 ceiling fans and about 40 standing fans he said he had bought for patients.

“Doctor, you remember the last time I spoke with you about those orthopaedic mattresses? You remember what you told me? For Allah’s sake, don’t allow me to get upset,” Sa’ad was heard saying.

He also demanded answers about the missing fans.

Sa’ad expressed concern about the condition of patients at the hospital and demanded to see the mattresses after receiving reports that they were being moved from one ward to another.

The state Ministry of Health is expected to investigate the matter and determine what happened to the donated equipment and who should be held responsible.