…’I won’t play politics with peoples lives’
From: Ahmed Abubakar, Dutse
Governor Muhammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State has directed the redeployment of redundant local government council workers to places they would be of use.
Governior Badaru issued the directive while on an unscheduled visit to Jahun General Hospital, in Jahun Local Government Area. He, however, told the council chairman, Alhaji Saidu Abdu Aujara, to redeploy many of his staff who only stay at home but receive salaries at the end of the month.
Badaru who was reacting to complaints by the head of Jahun General Hospital that the facility was constrained from its usual optimal performance due to serious shortage of workforce.
According to the governor , “I don’t see any reason why local government workers would stay at home but receive monthly wages while some of their services could be utilised in our hospital facilities”, he declared.
He also directed all health facilities managers in the state to ensure full implementation of the state policy on free medical treatment to children below five years and pregnant women.
The governor continue, “My administration inherited the policy from the previous administration and I am not the type to play politics with Peoples lives and education so I am directing that all hospitals across the state must not collect a single dime from any child under five or pregnat women for whatever reason”, he stated.
Governor Badaru asked the hospital managers to laise with the state commissioner of health to compile their additional budget requirements from their various hospitals to ensure all children below five years and pregnant women are receiving the required treatment free of charge.
The governor however directed local government chairman in the state to redeploys their redundant workers to hospitals to enhance sanitation and other required maintenance.
He, however, directed the state commissioner of health to ensure immediate repair of broken down medical equipments and other facilities within one month to ensure smooth operations at all the facilities.
Badaru also vowed to do everything possible to ensure the state population have access to affordable basic health care services irrespective of their geographical location.