Governor Babagana Zulum has approved the reinstatement of 23 health workers previously suspended for being absent from duty at Gwoza General Hospital.

Mr Zulum gave the approval on Tuesday while inspecting the hospital’s newly renovated maternity and child centre and other ongoing projects.

The workers were initially suspended after the governor found them absent during a previous visit.

“Complaints were made about the 23 medical workers who were absent during my last visit. No one is perfect, so the government has pardoned them, although no arrears will be paid,” stated the governor.

Addressing the staff, Mr Zulum emphasised the importance of dedication to duty and assured them of improved working conditions and incentives.

In response to a staffing shortage revealed by Nuhu Wakawa, the hospital’s principal medical officer, Mr Zulum directed the immediate deployment of four additional doctors and ten nurses.

He also announced plans to upgrade the hospital to train nursing students from the new nursing school under construction.

“The commissioner for health and the chief medical director of the Hospitals Management Board will handle this deployment,” he added.

He, however, promised to recruit community health workers from Gwoza to strengthen local healthcare.

During his visit, Mr Zulum inspected a crusher plant under construction in Pulka, which is expected to produce up to 300 tonnes of stone per hour and will support new road networks across Borno.

He also visited a 500-unit mass housing project in Wala B, Gwoza LGA, and the proposed site for a high Islamic school in Bama.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructure and educational development.

((NAN)