MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, issued a directive on Thursday, June 8, 2023, for an immediate investigation into allegations that medical staff at Umaru Shehu Ultra-Modern Hospital in Maiduguri turned away victims of an accident.
The governor’s order was a response to a video clip circulating on social media, which appeared to show medical personnel at the hospital refusing treatment to accident victims.
The governor mandated an investigation team to identify the medical staff involved in the incident and to recommend appropriate sanctions within 24 hours.
Speaking at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the hospital, Governor Zulum described the alleged conduct as “inhuman and unacceptable.” He emphasized the need for swift disciplinary action against any staff found culpable.
“A situation where patients are left crying for help, yet a hospital rejects them? We will not allow such a situation to repeat itself. I see no reason why disciplinary action will not be taken against the erring staff in this hospital,” Zulum said.
The governor did not mince words about his expectations for medical staff in the state. “If any medical doctor or any personnel in any of our facilities is not willing to attend to patients without cogent reason, he or she should equally be fired without hesitation,” he warned.
Governor Zulum reiterated that the Hospital Management Board and the Ministry of Health should conduct a thorough investigation of the incident and ensure that disciplinary measures are imposed on all personnel who refused treatment to the accident victims.
Having heavily invested in the health sector, including the welfare of medical officers across the state, Governor Zulum called on medical staff to reciprocate the state’s efforts by providing high-quality healthcare services to all patients without discrimination.
