The Kano State Hospitals Management Board (HMB) has declared zero tolerance for absenteeism and negligence among health workers in secondary healthcare facilities across the state.

The board’s Executive Secretary, Mansur Mudi, issued the warning following an unscheduled inspection of hospitals to assess staff commitment and facility performance on Thursday in Kano.

The warning is contained in a statement by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Sulaiman.

According to the statement, Mr Mudi expressed concern over the practice of some health workers abandoning their duty posts during scheduled shifts, describing it as unprofessional, unethical and a threat to patient care.

“The board will take decisive disciplinary measures against any staff violating duty roster regulations, including the forfeiture of call or shift allowances.

“Erring personnel will also face administrative sanctions in accordance with civil service rules to ensure strict compliance with professional standards,” he said.

Mr Mudi said the state government was pursuing the recruitment of additional healthcare professionals to address workforce shortages across hospitals in the state.

He, however, called for the prudent and efficient utilisation of existing personnel pending the completion of the recruitment process.

The executive secretary also said that the board had strengthened its monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure residents received quality, accessible and timely healthcare services.

According to him, query letters were issued on the spot to staff members found wanting during the unscheduled inspections.

Mr Mudi further directed hospital management teams to immediately display updated daily duty rosters in all units and departments to enhance accountability and compliance.

The inspection team visited key facilities, including Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Sheikh Jidda General Hospital and Infectious Diseases Hospital, among others.

(NAN)