Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru has warned against the diversion and mismanagement of medical equipment, donated by the state government, saying that violators would not go unpunished.
Gov. Nwifuru handed down the warning on Monday, while flagging off the drug revolving fund and distribution of medical equipment to the general hospitals in the state, held at the Akanu Ibiam International Conference Centre, Abakalili.
The governor expressed displeasure that the health sector in Ebonyi State had suffered from insufficient funding, inadequate personnel, and a lack of basic equipment, emphasing that the narrative must change.
He said: “Today, we are taking a bold step forward with the launch of the drug revolving fund. This initiative will guarantee the continuous availability of essential drugs in all our general hospitals.
“The revolving nature of the fund ensures sustainability, transparency, and accountability. It is a lifeline for our rural communities, who will now have access to quality medicines at affordable rates.
“Already, we have achieved over 60 percent delivery of essential drugs, and the process continues until full coverage is attained.
“I urge our healthcare workers and facility managers to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in managing these resources.
“On the distribution of medical equipment, our hospitals cannot function effectively without adequate tools.
“Therefore, we are distributing modern medical equipment, including hospital beds, mattresses, patient monitors, drip stands, and other critical consumables.
“These are not for decoration; they are instruments of life-saving service. This investment, worth over N1billion marks a significant milestone in our journey to reposition Ebonyi’s health sector.
“In recognition of the human resource gaps, we have recruited 195 healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists.
“They are already posted to all our general hospitals to ensure optimal service delivery. We are also working with relevant institutions to train and retrain our health workforce, ensuring that they meet global best practices.
“Let me use this medium to call on our community leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society to join us in monitoring and protecting these investments.
“Let the health facilities belong to the people. Ownership brings responsibility. Let me make it clear that accountability is not an option, it is a duty.
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“Any form of mismanagement or diversion of public resources will be met with firm action. We have already shown that we will not condone negligence, as evidenced by recent decisions taken in the sector.
“Our vision is to establish specialist hospitals in each of the three senatorial zones to provide advanced healthcare services, reduce medical tourism, and save lives.
“We are also exploring partnerships for healthcare financing and digital health systems that will ensure efficiency and access.
“Today is a new dawn for health in Ebonyi. Let this flag-off be a call to action, to our health workers, our communities, and every stakeholder.
“Working together will accelerate our vision to build a system that delivers hope, healing, and health to all,” Gov. Nwifuru assured.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma, reiterated the state government’s resolve to provide the needed medical facilities to make health services affordable to Ebonyi citizens.
