Authorities at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi have taken a firm stance against corruption by arresting an elderly man accused of defrauding vulnerable patients and their families.
How the Scam Unfolded
The suspect, who is not an employee of ATBUTH, was caught during a routine night surveillance operation conducted by the hospital's SERVICOM Unit. His scheme targeted relatives of a patient who was receiving urgent treatment for a gunshot injury.
According to the hospital's spokesperson, Abdullahi Usman Koli, the man fraudulently collected a total of 45,000 Naira from the distressed family. He allegedly demanded 5,000 Naira for a hospital smart card and an additional 40,000 Naira for the purchase of drugs.
Koli clarified the legitimate costs, stating, "The official price for the hospital smart card is only 1,000 Naira, and the actual drugs required cost 18,150 Naira." This meant the suspect inflated the prices by a significant margin, exploiting the family's desperate situation.
Recovery and Handover to Police
Following the arrest, hospital officials managed to recover 27,000 Naira from the suspect. He has since been handed over to the Nigerian Police Force for a thorough investigation and potential prosecution.
The Chief Medical Director of ATBUTH, Professor Yusuf Jibrin Bara, commended the SERVICOM Unit for its vigilance. He used the opportunity to reiterate the institution's unwavering position against corrupt practices.
"ATBUTH maintains a zero-tolerance policy for extortion, impersonation, and all forms of sharp practices," Professor Bara declared emphatically.
A Warning to the Public
The hospital management issued a strong warning to patients and the general public to be extremely cautious. They advised everyone to report any suspicious individuals or requests for unofficial payments directly to the SERVICOM desk or other appropriate hospital authorities.
The statement also highlighted a related issue, cautioning people against fraudsters who impersonate hospital staff to collect money under false pretences. Common scams include offering non-existent employment opportunities or promising to facilitate medical appointments for a fee.
The hospital stressed that no staff member or individual is authorised to collect money, gifts, or any form of inducement for employment or appointments at ATBUTH.
This incident serves as a critical reminder for the public to remain alert and only conduct financial transactions through official hospital channels to avoid falling victim to such predatory schemes.
