Sokoto Specialist Hospital Denies Alleged Absence of Doctors at Emergency Ward
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
The management of Sokoto Specialist Hospital has debunked reports circulating on social media alleging that doctors were unavailable at the hospital’s Emergency Ward.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Attahiru Isa Sokoto, described the claim as false and misleading, insisting that the Emergency Ward and other critical sections of the facility remain fully operational on a 24-hour basis.
The reaction followed a viral post alleging that the state’s largest government-owned hospital had no medical personnel available to attend to patients at its Emergency Ward.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Sokoto, the CMD said the hospital operates a functional duty roster, with doctors, nurses and other health workers assigned to duty round the clock.
“For the avoidance of doubt, doctors, nurses and other health workers are on duty at the Emergency Ward of Sokoto Specialist Hospital round the clock.
“We have a functional duty roster, and no patient has been denied care due to lack of personnel” he said.
Dr. Attahiru further explained that the doctor on call when the individual behind the viral post visited the facility had slept at the hospital and only stepped out briefly to observe the early morning prayer.
He stressed that the doctor was therefore neither absent nor negligent in the discharge of his duties.
The CMD attributed the hospital’s improved condition to investments by the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, saying the facility had undergone significant transformation since the government assumed office.
According to him, the hospital, which the present administration inherited in what he described as a “comatose situation,” has received additional medical personnel, modern equipment and extensive infrastructural rehabilitation.
“The present administration has invested heavily in the health sector. Sokoto Specialist Hospital now boasts of modern equipment and adequate manpower to cater for the health needs of our people” he added.
He urged members of the public to disregard what he described as malicious and unfounded claims designed to create panic and undermine the government’s efforts in the health sector.
Dr. Attahiru also advised members of the public to verify information before sharing it and to direct complaints to the appropriate hospital authorities for proper investigation and resolution.
