Gov Sule Orders Probe As Viral Video Exposes Understaffing In Nasarawa General Hospital

The Nasarawa State Government has concluded plans to overhaul the welfare package for health workers to halt the mass exodus of medical personnel from its hospitals.

The move follows a viral video that exposed how patients were left stranded at the General Hospital in Nasarawa due to inadequate and overstretched staff on duty.

State Commissioner for Health, Dr Gwamna Gaza, who led top ministry officials on an emergency inspection of the hospital at the directive of Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, said the government will no longer tolerate gaps that endanger lives.

Governor Sule had ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and demanded urgent corrective measures after the video drew public outrage.

Dr Gaza, while thanking the lady who recorded and circulated the video, said her action was a welcome act of whistleblowing that helped the government see the reality on the ground.

He explained that while weekend patient traffic is usually low, the midwife on duty on that day failed in her professional judgement.

“She should have called for reinforcement from nurses on duty in other wards when she noticed an unusual surge. That error will be corrected,” he said.

The Commissioner admitted that the state’s health sector is under pressure from the constant resignation of health workers who leave for greener pastures, creating new vacancies despite ongoing recruitment.

“What we saw today has revealed clear gaps. We are tackling them immediately. Government is working on short- and long-term solutions, including a significantly improved pay package and a student bonding scheme to retain our best hands,” Gaza declared.

In a related development, Dr Gaza allayed fears over a suspected Ebola Virus Disease case in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, urging residents not to panic.

He disclosed that the state has fully activated its disease surveillance systems across all wards and local government areas, sensitised Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers, activated isolation centres and placed all health facilities on red alert to detect and respond to any suspected case without delay.

He commended Governor Sule for promptly approving funds to strengthen epidemic preparedness against Ebola, Lassa fever and other infectious diseases.