The Niger State House of Assembly has urged the Ministry of Primary Healthcare and Nutrition to urgently organise a retreat for the Directors of Primary Health Care (PHC) across the state’s 25 local government areas.
Umar Nasiru Paiko, the Member representing Paikoro Constituency and Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Health, PHC, and Nutrition, made this call during a two-day interface with the directors at the Assembly Complex in Minna.
The interface was initiated following a petition from Crusader Radio, a human rights radio program, signed by its president, Sony Otache, on October 31, 2024. The petition highlighted financial misappropriation and negligence of duty in the PHC of Barwa Ward in Wushishi Local Government, prompting a review of all 25 PHC directors.
During the session, the committee scrutinised the directors, revealing deficiencies in supervision and administrative authority among some. To enhance their efficiency, Paiko emphasised the necessity of upgrading the directors’ knowledge through a workshop.
The committee also identified several issues, recommending the removal of traditional rulers from the Ward Development Committee, which is responsible for preparing business plans for NiCARE and the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.
Despite some directors being found lacking, Paiko commended those performing excellently and assured that the oversight function would be ongoing. He noted the governor’s special interest in revitalising the PHCs.
Dr. Inuwa Junaidu, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Ministry of Primary Healthcare, acknowledged that the exercise was enlightening for the ministry and pledged to address the identified issues. He assured that the ministry would continue to strive for the optimal positioning of the PHCs.
Several directors praised the exercise, describing it as a welcome development and committed to improving in areas where issues were identified.