Nasarawa Governor Orders Probe Into Alleged Sale of Donated Hospital Items
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has ordered an immediate investigation into the reported disappearance of mattresses and fans donated to the Umaisha General Hospital in Toto Local Government Area of the state.
The governor gave the directive on Wednesday following a viral video in which the lawmaker representing Umaisha/Ugya Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Sa’ad Abdullahi, raised concerns over the whereabouts of items he donated to the hospital.
Abdullahi, a member of the All Progressives Congress, had donated 50 orthopaedic mattresses, 50 ceiling fans and 40 standing fans to improve conditions at the hospital.
However, during a subsequent visit to assess the facility, the lawmaker questioned hospital staff over the whereabouts of the items.
In the video, Abdullahi confronted a hospital staff member after reportedly being shown a mattress which he disputed was among those he donated.
He also demanded explanations for the whereabouts of the ceiling and standing fans, while questioning why patients were still being treated under poor conditions despite his donations.
A hospital staff member later explained that about seven of the 50 mattresses had been temporarily given to patients who had been discharged, with an arrangement for the items to be returned.
Reacting to the development during the inauguration of newly appointed commissioners, special advisers, permanent secretaries and board members at the Government House in Lafia, Governor Sule expressed concern over the allegations.
The governor said it was unfortunate that some individuals could undermine efforts aimed at improving healthcare delivery in the state.
He disclosed that he had directed that a report on the matter be submitted before the end of the week.
“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. I am waiting for the honourable commissioner, and I expect that report by the end of this week,” Sule said.
The governor’s directive is expected to determine what happened to the donated items and whether any hospital officials were involved in their alleged disappearance or sale.
