Shakeup at Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital as Kano State Government dismisses chief medical director

NIGERIA —In a swift move, the Kano State Government has removed Dr. Yunusa Sunusi from his position as Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital.

The decision, attributed to alleged negligence of duty and a perceived inability to align with government healthcare policies, has sent shockwaves through the healthcare community.

This decision comes hot on the heels of an unscheduled visit by the Hospital Management Board to hospitals under its purview.

During this visit, the board found serious lapses in the functioning of Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital.

The CMD, Dr. Yunusa Sunusi, was deemed lacking in his responsibilities and was subsequently relieved of his duties.

A history of policy non-compliance

According to the statement released by the Hospital Management Board, Dr. Sunusi had failed to organize the hospital staff effectively and implement government policies regarding free consultation, admission, and treatment.

This issue had been flagged previously, with Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf himself visiting the facility on multiple occasions, only to find no improvement.

“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has on several occasions visited the facility mostly at midnight and still found the facility in an unfavourable state urging that corrections should be implemented but still it remained the same,” the statement read in part.

The board’s assessment extended to Dr. Sunusi’s capacity to manage human resources and efficiently administer the hospital.

Despite being a consultant in paediatrics, the CMD was accused of not displaying the necessary leadership qualities.

Critical issues uncovered

During the inspection, two wards were found closed despite adequate staffing, while the ground floor was overcrowded, forcing patients to be managed in pathways—a situation characterized as sabotage.

Furthermore, there were complaints that patients were being charged for drugs and basic investigations, in violation of the government’s policy on free treatment.

Dr. Nagoda, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Hospitals Management Board, disclosed that Dr. Sunusi had been given two weeks to activate the hospital’s laboratory, which remained non-functional.

Patients had been forced to seek testing at external labs due to this delay.

New leadership takes charge

In response to these issues, Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad, an experienced administrator and paediatrician, has been appointed as the new CMD of Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital.

Additionally, two senior consultants, Dr. Jamila Sani and Dr. Aisha Yahaya, will establish and oversee a specialist clinic within the facility.

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