By Muhammad Nur Tijani
Kano State Government has inaugurated a high-powered committee to investigate the alleged unauthorised sale of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) intended for the treatment of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition across the state.
Inaugurating the committee on behalf of Gov. Alhaji Abba Yusuf, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran, said the panel was constituted to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported diversion and ensure that all persons found culpable are brought to justice.
Labaran said the committee was mandated to determine how the incident occurred, identify individuals or groups involved including possible collaborators among health workers, private traders, and community members and ascertain the quantity and estimated value of the missing commodities.
He added that the committee is also expected to recommend appropriate administrative, disciplinary, and corrective measures, and submit its findings within 14 days.
The commissioner disclosed that the state government expended over N500 million on the procurement of the RUTF for the treatment of vulnerable children, stressing that the products were meant strictly for medical intervention and not commercial distribution.
“It is deeply disturbing that some unpatriotic individuals allegedly diverted these life-saving commodities for personal gain by selling them in open markets, thereby depriving malnourished children of critical treatment,” he said.
He warned that the government would not tolerate any act capable of undermining public health interventions, adding that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Aminu Bashir, and other 18 members drawn from relevant stakeholders, including security agencies, the Emirate Council, and Ward Development Committees from Dawakin Tofa, Wudil, Rano, and Bichi zones.
Alhaji Naziru Kyaure, Director of Administration and General Services in the ministry, will serve as secretary.
Responding, the chairman of the committee, Aminu Bashir, assured the government that members would carry out the assignment with diligence, transparency, and professionalism, pledging that no effort would be spared in uncovering the truth and safeguarding public resources.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
