Ibrahim Suleiman
The Management of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika, Zaria, has dismissed social media allegations of financial mismanagement, describing them as false and misleading.
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The Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) and Acting Overseer of the Office of the Chief Medical Director, Professor Muhammad Ibrahim Zaria, said the hospital maintained financial accountability, with audit reports available to substantiate its position.
Professor Zaria explained that approximately ₦2.3 billion in intervention funds was spent on renovating facilities, procuring medical equipment and executing new projects, including a radiology complex. He also denied claims that the hospital received ₦6 billion.
On the Cancer Health Fund, he said eligible patients with breast, cervical and prostate cancers received up to ₦2 million each after verification by medical teams, social welfare officers and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT).
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He added that an audit had commended the hospital’s management of the cancer intervention funds.
Professor Zaria further explained that the revolving fund for medical supplies was managed through approved procurement procedures, noting that officials from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation had recently reviewed the hospital’s expenditure records.
Despite these measures, he acknowledged that the hospital faced financial challenges, including an electricity debt exceeding ₦1 billion and inadequate overhead funding. He said management was exploring alternative measures to sustain operations and maintain healthcare services.
He attributed improvements in the hospital’s infrastructure and service delivery over the past seven years to the leadership of the Chief Medical Director, Professor Ahmed Umdajaz Hamidu.
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Professor Zaria urged the public to disregard unverified reports, assuring patients of the hospital’s commitment to quality healthcare. He added that management would consult the Chief Medical Director on appropriate steps to address the allegations.
FRCN