By Mahmoud Muhammad Kano
The Kano State Government has commenced midnight inspections and sanctions targeting nurses and health workers who abandon their duty posts. The surprise checks, which started late Tuesday night, were ordered to address complaints of poor service delivery in state hospitals and primary health centers.
Residents and patients had raised concerns over empty wards, unattended emergencies, and nurses leaving shifts early. Government officials said the “midnight monitoring” is part of Governor Abbah Kabiru Yusuf’s drive to restore discipline and accountability in the health sector.
Workers found absent without permission during the spot checks are being queried, docked, and in some cases suspended. The state Ministry of Health says the action will be continuous, not a one-off exercise, to ensure 24-hour service in all government hospitals.
Some nurses’ unions described the midnight raids as “harsh but necessary,” while others argued that poor staffing, lack of equipment, and unpaid allowances are the real problems. They urged the government to address welfare issues alongside discipline.
Officials say the inspections will extend to day shifts and weekends. The government insists no worker is above duty, warning that repeated absenteeism will attract tougher penalties. For patients in Kano, the hope is that the sanctions will translate to better care at odd hours.
By Editor Mahmoud Muhammad Kano
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