Niger Gov Constitutes Committee To Investigate Loss Of Lives In Private Hospitals

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has constituted a seven-man committee to investigate the reported cases of frequent loss of lives in private hospitals practising in the state.

Bello inaugurated the Committee at the Government House, Minna.

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.

The committee would also review their operational standards and investigate doctors on the government payroll who engage in private practice as well as adherence to professional ethics, which is fundamental.

While acknowledging the roles the private hospitals play in complementing government hospitals, the governor implored the committee to find out the main challenges confronting them and identify where the state government support may be needed.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mary Noel-Berje, Bello 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.

The statement added that the chairman of the Committee, a former Commissioner for Health, Ibrahim Sule Babamini appreciated the governor for finding them worthy for the exercise saying that though the assignment would be tasking, the Committee would meet up with the timeframe and solicited the cooperation of all stakeholders.