From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The Chief Medical Director Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH)
Shika, Zaria Professor Hamidu Ahmed Umdagas has said corruption is responsible for the high mortality and morbidity rates in Nigeria.
He stated this at the one day sensitization workshop organized by the anti-corruption and transparency unit (ACTU) of the hospital held in Zaria yesterday.
Prof. Umdagas expressed dismay that the vulnerable groups of the population are most affected by the corruption menace.
He explained that the workshop was organized to entrench corruption free and transparent hospital working environment.
Represented by Professor Ahmad Bello Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee ABUTH, Shika, said corruption also slow progress towards achieving universal health coverage and Nigeria Millennium Development Goals for sustainable development with a focus on healthy lives and wellness for all.
Professor Umdagas added that corruption impedes people access to safe and effective medicines and quality health services in the country.
According to the CMD, anti – corruption campaign strategy complement the right to health, a principle enshrined in national and international laws through the universal declaration of Human Rights and WHO health policies.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner, ICPC, Kaduna Shehu Yahaya said the essence of the workshop is to familiarize members in the health sector on how to become more transparent and accountability.
He also said, the workshop will remind them on the existence of the laws guiding their profession.
Earlier in his address the Chairman Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) ABUTH Pharmacist (Dr) Abdulrazaq Ayuba said the workshop is aimed at ensuring healthcare delivery in the hospital will be equitable to all patients without any form of corruption.
He said the workshop will improve attitudinal aspect of the whole workers to know how to receive and relate with patients.
