The Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, has directed the Commissioner for Health to investigate allegations involving the reported diversion of medical equipment donated to Umaisha General Hospital.
The directive followed a viral video in which Mr Ibrahim Sa’ad, a member representing Ugya/Umaisha Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, alleged that orthopaedic mattresses and fans he donated to the hospital had been stolen.
Sule gave the order on Wednesday in Lafia during the inauguration of newly appointed commissioners.
The governor said the administration would take decisive action against anyone found responsible after the investigation, including dismissal from service and prosecution.
He described the alleged theft and sale of donated medical items as unacceptable, stressing that such actions could negatively affect healthcare delivery and vulnerable patients who depend on public health facilities.
“I cannot see how somebody who works in the hospital will now allow himself to sell what somebody donated to help the vulnerable,” Sule said.
The governor said merely removing those found guilty from office would not be enough, adding that legal action must follow to serve as a deterrent.
“I have already asked the Honourable Commissioner for Health to investigate, dismiss and prosecute them,” he said.
Sule said he was awaiting the outcome of the investigation and would act based on the findings.
Meanwhile, Sa’ad, in a statement issued in Lafia, said the Ministry of Health and the Hospital Management Board had responded quickly to the issue.
The lawmaker expressed confidence that the matter had been addressed and that clarification had been provided regarding the donated items.
He explained that the equipment was donated more than two years ago and had been kept in the hospital store, while some items were being used by staff members residing in the hospital quarters.
Sa’ad said his action was not intended to undermine the Ministry of Health or discredit any government official or stakeholder.
“My action is not aimed at discrediting the Ministry of Health, Nasarawa State, neither is it politically motivated to ridicule any stakeholder affiliated to the ministry,” he said.
He added that his interest remained improving healthcare services and supporting initiatives that benefit residents of Umaisha/Ugya and Nasarawa State generally.
The lawmaker urged members of the public to continue supporting healthcare interventions aimed at improving the wellbeing of ordinary Nigerians.
