Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has dismissed the Chief Medical Director of Argungu General Hospital, Dr. Emmanuel Ehiem, over concerns about the management of a N973 million hospital renovation project.
The decision followed a late-night inspection by the governor, triggered by a patient’s complaint about poor hospital services despite the recent renovation.
Expressing disappointment, Governor Idris stated, “We cannot invest such a huge amount in revitalising the hospital and allow mismanagement to waste it.”
The dismissal coincided with the official commissioning of the newly renovated hospital, a project aimed at improving healthcare delivery in the state.
Beyond Argungu General Hospital, the governor announced an extensive healthcare revitalisation plan, which includes the renovation of major hospitals such as Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Kebbi State Teaching Hospital in Kalgo, and General Hospitals in Yauri, Zuru, and Koko.
He also revealed plans to upgrade Kebbi Medical Centre Kalgo into a State Teaching Hospital to enhance medical training and services.
To curb brain drain and improve staff retention, Governor Idris pledged to review the Consolidated Medical Salary Scale and increase allowances for medical science students.
In addition, the state government has approved the procurement of ambulances to strengthen the referral system and will renovate and upgrade 13 primary health centres across Kebbi.
To ensure uninterrupted healthcare service, solar power systems will be installed at the State Teaching Hospital to guarantee 24-hour electricity supply.
Governor Idris reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the World Bank-funded IMPACT Project, aimed at strengthening primary healthcare and achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
