Outrage as Donated Hospital Items Allegedly Disappear and Get Sold in Nasarawa
A shocking scandal has hit the healthcare sector in Nasarawa State after a lawmaker discovered that vital donated hospital items he personally provided to a local facility were missing and allegedly sold. Hon. Sa’ad Abdullahi, representing Umaisha/Ugya Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, was left furious during an impromptu visit to Umaisha General Hospital in Toto Local Government Area.
Disappearance of Essential Medical Supplies
Weeks before his surprise inspection, the lawmaker personally funded and delivered essential donated hospital items to help improve patient welfare and living conditions in the facility:
- 50 Orthopaedic Mattresses: Donated to replace bare metal frames and give patients proper bed rest.
- 50 Ceiling Fans: Intended to cool down general hospital wards.
- 40 Standing Fans: Provided for emergency wards, maternity units, and staff offices.
However, when Hon. Abdullahi visited the hospital, he found patients still lying on bare iron beds in the heat, with none of the donated hospital items anywhere in sight.
Contradictory Excuses From Hospital Staff
When the lawmaker confronted the management and demanded to see the donated hospital items, officials gave several conflicting stories:
- Claim of Ward Distribution: Staff first claimed the materials were placed in different wards, but could not show them when asked for a tour.
- Locked in Storage: Officials then claimed the donated hospital items were locked in the store and asked the lawmaker to return another day.
- Taken Home by Patients: Some workers went as far as claiming that discharged patients took mattresses home with plans to return them later.
Growing Demands for Accountability
The disappearance and alleged sale of these donated hospital items have triggered widespread outrage among community members and social media observers.
Constituents and civil society groups are now calling on the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health and security agencies to launch an immediate investigation. Those responsible for diverting or selling donated hospital items meant for sick citizens must face disciplinary and legal consequences.