By Mustapha Salisu
Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, the Executive Secretary of Kano State Hospitals Management Board (HMB), conducted an unscheduled midnight visit to Waziri Shehu Gidado General Hospital, resulting in the dismissal of absent casual workers and the issuance of queries to all unit staff on the duty roster.
The surprise visit revealed a facility with more than 400 staff, but only 6 were on duty, and the premises were found in a filthy state. In response, Dr. Nagoda took immediate action and served query letters to the responsible staff.
A statement from the HMB Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, disclosed that the visit marked the launch of the Board’s 2nd phase of Execution/Management Supervision exercise.
Expressing dismay over the hospital’s condition, Dr. Nagoda summoned the Chief Medical Director and the matron in charge of the maternity unit for further discussions.
The Executive Secretary emphasized that truancy will no longer be tolerated, applying the carrot and stick principle. He stated that lobbying would not be effective, as all staff are entitled to shifting and call allowances.
Dr. Nagoda highlighted issues such as the lack of visible attendants, stretched emergency services, non-utilization of the register for free A&E and maternity items, and mothers buying medication outside the facility despite the free policy.
He warned, “Let this be the last warning to erring staff and a deterrent to all. We will not relent in seeing that everyone does the right thing at the right time.”
On a positive note, Dr. Nagoda commended the Chief Medical Director of Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Dr. Usman Tijjani, for uplifting the facility to a high standard.
He said MMSH clinical activities have immensely improved, staff on duty were present at their duty post, Pharmacy was fully stocked as well as the facility was sparkling Clean.
Dr. Nagoda further said the area that needs improvement is the laboratory which is expected that the services should be timely and qualitative.
He advised that there is a need to increase the number of doctors in the emergency unit of the facility. The facility was graded with a B score and called on the CMD not to relent in his efforts to make the facility great again.