Mairo Adamu Mani
..ENHANCING HEALTH CARE DELIVERY AND ACCOUNTABILITY*
The Niger State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Health, Nutrition, and Primary Health Care, led by its Chairman, Hon. Pharm. Umar Nasir, Member Representing Paikoro Constituency, has embarked on an oversight function visit to level two primary health care facilities in Minna. This visit is a significant step towards ensuring that the health care system in Niger State is functioning effectively and efficiently. The Committee visited Senator Dr. Idris Ibrahim Kuta Memorial Primary Health Care Centre, Lafiya Jari, Soje B Kpakungu, Taimakon Juna GPMC, Peter Sarki Road, and Ministry of Primary Health Care, respectively.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Pharm. Umar Nasir, disclosed that the purpose of the visit is to carry out one of the primary functions of the legislature, which is to conduct oversight functions. He stated that the Committee decided to visit the level two primary health care facilities as part of their legislative responsibility to augment the efforts of the Executive Arm of Government. Pharm. Umar Nasir further added that the oversight is not restricted to only Minna but intends to spread it to other level two primary health care facilities. This proactive approach demonstrates the Committee’s commitment to ensuring that health care services are delivered to all parts of the state.
The Chairman of the Committee expressed concern over the high number of students being loaded in most of the facilities visited, which will affect the mode of operation. He noted that the facilities do not provide an enabling environment for the staff to perform their official functions according to their professional guidelines. The Committee observed other issues, and at the end of the oversight function, they will come up with a conclusive report to be presented at the plenary of the House for further legislative action. This report will undoubtedly provide valuable insights and recommendations for improving the health care system in Niger State.
The Commissioner of Primary Health Care, Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Dangana, thanked the Chairman and Members of the Committee for the oversight visit. He stated that the essence of the visit is to strengthen the Committee’s oversight function to ensure accountability in the system, service delivery, and people’s satisfaction with the services. This collaborative approach between the legislative and executive arms of government is a welcome development in the quest to improve health care delivery in Niger State.
The Officers in Charge of the visited facilities, including Hadiza Ahmed of Senator Dr. Idris Ibrahim Kuta Memorial Primary Health Care Centre, Aminu Shehu of Lafiya Jari Soje B Kpakungu, and others, appreciated the Committee Members for the visit. They highlighted challenges such as manpower, power supply (solar lights), and others,
They assured the Committee Members that all observations made will be implemented accordingly, This response demonstrates the commitment of the facility managers to improving the health care system and addressing the challenges faced by their facilities.
