Zamfara State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, has said she would not tolerate any misconduct from Health program officers and Local Government Areas Health coordinators.
The Commissioner stressed the need for commitment, accountability and relentless drive to excellence in all health programs.
Dr Maradun warned that she demands total excellence and accountability in all aspects of their endeavours, saying they have to show professionalism.
The Commissioner warned the officials during a meeting in Gusau, the State capital, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for mediocrity in the delivery of healthcare services.
“The health indicators we have witnessed in Zamfara State over the past years are not only unacceptable but they are also a grave reflection of the complacency that has taken root in our health programmes,” Dr. Maradun stated.
“We are facing a crisis in public health and the status quo is no longer tolerable”
She highlighted the state’s struggles with maternal and child mortality rates and the prevalence of vaccine preventable diseases.
The Commissioner emphasized that Governor Lawal’s declaration of a State of Emergency in the health sector last year demands urgent and impactful action from all health personnel.
This was contained in a statement issued by the spokesman of the ministry, Suleiman Isah, and made available to newsmen in Gusau, the State capital.
“All appointments into positions across the health programs in this state will be based on performance”, the statement added.
“Your ability to deliver measurable improvements in your respective programs will be the sole basis for determining your future in these roles”
She emphasized that data and outcomes will be rigorously monitored and the highest standards will be expected from all personnel.
“Let this meeting serve as a clear signal that performance, results, and the well-being of our people will always come first”
“We are in a critical time, and each of you must step up to the challenge.”
In his remark, the State Coordinator, WHO, Dr Raji, expressed the World Health Organization’s full support for the Zamfara State Ministry of Health’s efforts to improve the health outcomes of its citizens as per the organisation’s Country Cooperation Strategy 2023-2027 (CCS iv).
He acknowledged the significant challenges facing the state and commended the commissioner’s commitment to excellence.
Dr Raji assured the Ministry of Health that WHO will continue to collaborate and provide technical support and guidance to achieve these critical goals emphasising the need to ensure the reactivation of the M&E working group.
Zamfara govt warns health program officers, LGA coordinators on accountability