The Nasarawa government says it is working to improve the welfare package of health workers to attract and retain a qualified workforce in the state’s health facilities.

Gwamna Gaza, the health commissioner, disclosed this on Wednesday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the General Hospital, Nasarawa, in the Nasarawa council area.

Mr Gaza said the visit followed a video circulated on social media highlighting inadequate staffing at the hospital, which caught Governor Abdullahi Sule’s attention. He said the governor directed the health ministry to investigate the situation and provide an immediate solution.

The commissioner thanked the woman who recorded and circulated the video for highlighting the situation, adding that the ministry welcomed public observations and concerns about healthcare delivery.

Mr Gaza, however, explained that patient turnout was usually low at weekends, and that the midwife on duty exercised poor judgment by failing to call for assistance from nurses working in other sections of the hospital when the number of patients increased.

Mr Gaza assured residents that measures were being taken to address the situation and prevent a recurrence.

On concerns over a reported case of Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory, the commissioner urged Nasarawa residents not to panic. He assured residents that the government had activated disease surveillance systems across the state.

Mr Gaza said the surveillance systems were operational at ward and local government levels to ensure prompt detection and response to any suspected case.

According to him, disease surveillance and notification officers have been sensitised, isolation centres have been activated, and health facilities have been placed on alert to identify suspected symptoms.

The commissioner said health facilities had also been directed to promptly activate the relevant treatment protocols whenever a suspected case was identified.

He thanked Mr Sule for providing leadership and approving funds to strengthen preparedness against disease outbreaks, including Ebola and Lassa fever.

(NAN)