A Yobe-based politician and philanthropist, Sani Ahmed Kaitafi, has raised concerns over the treatment of patients at General Hospital Gashu’a, alleging critical gaps in emergency healthcare services at the facility.
In a letter addressed to Governor Mai Mala Buni and the State Commissioner for Health, which was also shared on his verified Facebook page, Kaitafi recounted the experience of an acquaintance suffering from chronic kidney disease who was reportedly admitted to the hospital in critical condition.
According to him, the patient was rushed to the hospital at about 6:00 a.m. on Saturday after experiencing severe health complications.
Kaitafi commended a nurse at the facility for what he described as exceptional dedication, saying the healthcare worker made efforts to stabilize the patient despite the challenges encountered.
He alleged that no doctor attended to the patient during more than 24 hours spent at the hospital’s emergency unit, prompting him to seek medical guidance from the patient’s physician in Kano through a video call.
According to Kaitafi, the physician recommended a series of medical tests, prescribed medication, and later advised that the patient be transferred to Kano under oxygen support for specialised treatment.
However, he claimed that plans for the transfer were complicated by the unavailability of a functional ambulance at the hospital.
“We had to get a commercial vehicle to transport the patient with an oxygen tank and a nurse,” he wrote.
Kaitafi said the incident raises broader concerns about emergency healthcare delivery in public hospitals and called on relevant authorities to investigate the matter and address identified shortcomings.
He expressed hope that urgent steps would be taken to prevent similar situations in the future.
“I am hoping and praying that something serious is done to avert medical crises in the state’s health institutions,” he stated.
The Yobe State Ministry of Health had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report nor did the commissioner of Health respond to call.
