Zamfara Issues Stern Caution to Health Workers Against Negligence, Launches Statewide Supervision Drive

By Ishaq Zaki | Expert Analysis

Gusau, Dec. 20, 2025 (NAN) In a decisive move to address systemic challenges within its healthcare sector, the Zamfara State Government has issued a formal and public caution to all health personnel, explicitly condemning absenteeism and professional negligence. This warning is not an isolated statement but forms the cornerstone of a newly launched, large-scale monitoring initiative designed to overhaul service delivery across the state’s secondary health facilities.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Maradun, delivered the admonition on Friday in Dansadau while spearheading an Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS) exercise. This high-level team, comprising the Commissioner, Ministry Directors, and Heads of parastatals, signifies the administration’s top-down commitment to reform. The exercise commenced with inspections at the General Hospitals in Dansadau (Maru LGA) and Magami (Gusau LGA), serving as a pilot for a statewide sweep.

Dr. Maradun’s message underscores a critical juncture for Zamfara. In states facing security and socioeconomic pressures, a robust healthcare system is a lifeline. Negligence and absenteeism directly erode public trust, worsen health outcomes, and waste scarce resources. The Commissioner stressed that “accountability and dedication were critical to strengthening the state’s healthcare system,” indicating that the government views staff discipline as non-negotiable for broader systemic health.

This is not a mere spot-check. The ISS represents a structured, diagnostic approach. As Dr. Maradun outlined, its aims are multifaceted:

1. Infrastructure Audit: Assessing the physical condition of facilities, equipment functionality, and availability of essential supplies.

2. Service Delivery Evaluation: Monitoring the quality of patient care, adherence to clinical protocols, and patient satisfaction.

3. Human Resource Performance Review: Directly observing staff presence, competence, and professionalism at their duty posts.

4. Systems Functionality Check: Evaluating administrative processes, record-keeping, and referral systems.

The exercise is slated to cover all 14 Local Government Areas, targeting every general hospital and major health facility. “We are going to supervise all health facilities to monitor and evaluate their conditions and ensure that services are delivered effectively,” Maradun stated.

While the caution carries a clear punitive undertone for offenders, the ISS framework also incorporates supportive elements. The Commissioner commended compliant staff at the visited hospitals, acknowledging “their commitment and presence.” This suggests the government seeks to encourage and reward good practice while rooting out malpractice. The promised outcome of the exercise—improved standards, promoted efficiency, and enhanced service delivery—positions it as a tool for constructive improvement, not just punishment.

For health workers, this signals heightened accountability. For citizens, it is a promise of more reliable care. The success of this initiative will depend on its consistency, transparency, and the implementation of tangible consequences and support based on the findings. This move by Zamfara State could serve as a model for other states grappling with similar healthcare delivery challenges, highlighting that governance and oversight are as vital as medical supplies in building a resilient health system.

(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

IZ/SSA/ RSA | Enhanced Analysis by Expert Editor

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Edited by Shuaib Sadiq