The SERVICOM Unit of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, has recorded another success in its routine surveillance with the arrest of an impostor who has been defrauding patients and their relatives within the hospital premises.
The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued by the spokesman of ATBUTH, Mr.Usman Abdullahi Koli.
Koli said the suspect, an elderly man who appeared calm and unsuspecting, was apprehended during a night surveillance operation after collecting ₦45,000 from relatives of a gunshot injury patient.
He falsely demanded ₦5,000 for a hospital smart card and ₦40,000 for the purchase of drugs, meanwhile the initial cost of the smart card is 1000 while the drugs purchased cost ₦18,150.
According to the image maker, the balance of ₦27,000 was recovered, and the suspect has been handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution.
While reacting, the Chief Medical Director of ATBUTH, Prof. Yusuf Jibrin Bara, commended the SERVICOM team and issued a strong warning to impostors and fraudsters, reiterating management’s zero tolerance for extortion, impersonation, and sharp practices.
He urged patients and the general public to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals or demands for unofficial payments to SERVICOM desks or relevant hospital authorities, assuring that management will continue to strengthen surveillance to protect patients and ensure transparency.
Meanwhile, in another development, the management of ATBUTH has drawn attention to reports of fraudsters impersonating hospital officials and collecting money from unsuspecting individuals under the guise of offering employment or facilitating appointments.
The management noted that no staff member or individual is authorized to collect money, gifts, or any form of inducement for employment or appointment into the hospital.
“Anyone who has paid money or offered any form of inducement to any person, whether a staff member or otherwise, is advised to immediately report to the Public Relations and Protocol Unit of the hospital with relevant details. Failure to do so may attract legal action, as management will not hesitate to act against perpetrators and collaborators.
“ATBUTH remains committed to accountability, transparency, and safeguarding the public from fraud and exploitation”, the statement added.