Kano Fires Three Health Workers, Suspends Another Three Over Extortion Of Patients

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The authorities of the Kano state Hospitals Management Board, KHMB, on Monday, April 1, 2024, announced the dismissal from service of  three staff members of the State – owned Kabo General Hospital. They, also, placed three others on indefinite suspended.

The Executive Secretary of the KHMB, Dr Mansur, who sanctioned the disciplinary actions against the staff, cited alleged extortionist tendencies and exploitation of patients and  the vulnerable as a major reason.

A statement issued by the Board’s Spokesperson, Samira Suleiman, and made available to the Media noted that the Executive Secretary approved the dismissal and suspension of the affected staff ,after his unscheduled visit to the hospital ,revealed that they were charging patients as much as N12,000 as against the approved N2000 for X-ray services .

“The Executive Secretary of the Board approved the immediate dismissal of the three staff on grounds of extortion of patients .

Also, he approved the suspension of the Accountant ,Auditor,and Head of the laboratory unit for selling free HIV test kits given to the hospital by the state Government.. They have been asked to report the KHMB Headquarters for further disciplinary. actions” the statement noted

According to the statement, the Executive Secretary has vowed not to spare any staff found to be engaged in acts inimical to the interests of the people and the commitment of the state Government to discharge its social responsibilities to the citizenry.

Dr Nagoda who also frowned  at the untidy,  unhealthy condition and poor service delivery system in the Labour Ward of the hospital, expressed displeasure with the misuse of vital equipment, and COVID-19 Items donated to the  hospital only four years ago .

“We took an oath, and so we must stick to that oath and sanitize the system. It is sad that after the Government have made sure that each and every health worker is on the CONHESS salary scale, they are still exploiting innocent patients” Dr Nagoda lamented.