Zamfara Orphans Lament Poor Medical Care

From Hussaini Yero

Orphans have raised concern over alleged poor medical care in the Orphanage; they said this following the death of a 9-year-old girl who was reported ill without receiving Medical treatment for days.

This concern was expressed in separate reactions in interviews which they granted to journalists in Gusau on Thursday.

According to orphans and community members, the affected girl is identified as Safiya, had suffered medical complications for about five days without being referred to any hospital.

They claimed that Safiya was not given the required medical attention during the period of her illness, and even her burial was done with the intervention of a tricycle rider who volunteered to convey the corpse to the graveyard despite the presence of relevant ministry officials.

The incident has sparked worries among residents and children in the home over the welfare and healthcare arrangements for orphans in the facility.

Community members are calling on relevant authorities, including the Zamfara State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death and to ensure improved healthcare services for children in orphanages across the state.

As of the time of filing this report, officials of the orphanage were yet to issue an official response to the allegations, and efforts to speak with the concerned Commissioner, Dr Aisha Anka, proved abortive

Officials of the ministry declined to speak, claiming that only the commissioner has the right to speak or any person directed.