Niger state Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello has constituted a Seven-man Committee to investigate the reported cases of frequent loss of lives in private hospitals practising in the State.
Governor Sani Bello inaugurated the Committee at the Government House, Minna,Niger state capital.
He mandated the Committee to check the activities of government Doctors who are also engaged in private practice as it came with its own challenge which was generating a lot of outcry from the public.
“Some of the Doctors operate in little clinics for their own financial benefits and those clinics are not up to standard; they don’t have the manpower or equipment, thereby resulting to the loss of lives. We need to look at that carefully”, he said.
The Governor added that among the allegations levelled against the medical doctors and pharmacists under the State government payroll at the same time operating private clinics , included diversion of patients and drugs from the government hospitals to their private clinics. .
He expressed concern over the proliferation of nonstandard private clinics in the State and called for the trend to be stopped.
The committee’s terms of reference include: Manpower, equipment and facility check, Review of operational standard and investigation of the doctors on the government payroll at the same time doing private practice as well as adherence to Professional ethics,which is fundamental.
While acknowledging the roles the Private hospitals play in complementing government hospitals, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello implored the committee to also find out the main challenges confronting them and identify where the State government support may be needed .
The Governor gave the Committee eight weeks to complete its assignment which should be open to suggestions that will make the State’s health sector function effectively.
He commended members of the Committee for accepting to do the work, adding that every member was carefully selected based on proven integrity, contribution to the State and display of high level of professionalism.
The Chairman of the Committee, a former Commissioner of Health Dr. Ibrahim Sule Babamini appreciated the Governor for finding them worthy for the exercise.
Dr. Sule who said though the assignment is tasking, gave assurance of the Committee meeting up within the timeframe and solicited the corporation of all stakeholders.
Other members of the Committee are: Pharm. Haruna Aliyu, Yusuf Tanko Ubandoma, Dr. Baba Uthman, Dr. Abdullahi Jibril D. Dr. Obajaja Sylvester, while Yunusa M. Nahauni, Permanent Secretary, Economic and Social Advisory Council of Niger State, ESACON is the Secretary to the Committee.
