By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Residents of Kaura Community in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Wednesday prevented the removal of equipment from the Rural Hospital, Kaura, citing concerns over the authorization for the exercise.The incident sparked tension after a man reportedly arrived at the hospital with a pickup vehicle to remove items, including hospital beds, a generator, a transformer and an ambulance.
Community members alleged that several of the items were donated through contributions by residents and insisted that no equipment should be moved without clear directives from the appropriate authorities.
Speaking in a telephone interview, the community’s Public Relations Officer, Anthony Timothy, said residents mobilised after receiving information about the planned evacuation of hospital assets.
According to Timothy, community leaders met with hospital officials, including the matron and deputy matron, who reportedly said they were unaware of any approved relocation of equipment.He further questioned the authenticity of a document presented as authorisation for the exercise, alleging that it lacked official endorsement.
Timothy also claimed that previous removals from the facility involved equipment donated by members of the community. He alleged that the individual overseeing the operation identified himself as having been sent from Kaduna, but residents were not aware of any official directive supporting the exercise.
Security personnel were later deployed to the hospital following reports of a disturbance. However, Timothy said the situation remained peaceful, with residents seeking clarification over the planned removal.As of the time of filing this report, none of the equipment had been removed.
A senior official of the Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the board was not aware of the incident and would investigate the matter. The official noted that any approved relocation of hospital equipment would ordinarily involve the relevant local health authorities.
