From Judex Okor, Calabar
Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has warned health officials in the country not to convert funds meant for provision of health care delivery to their personal use.
According to him, any officials or group of persons found wanting in that regard would incur the wrath of the Economic Financial and Crime Commission (EFCC).
Adewole, who gave the warning during a health summit organised by Cross River State Government yesterday, in Calabar, said there was no need building new health care facility centres and urged state governments to focus more attention on rehabilitation of the existing ones.
“Nigeria is one country in the world where 70 to 80 percent of funds provided for the provision of good medical health care facility end up in pockets of private individuals.
Let me warned that the EFCC is out to look for such people.
“Those charged with the responsibility of managing the funds to be careful on how the funds will be utilised as the EFCC will not relent to beam it searchlight to make those who misappropriate such funds to account for the funds.
“So, beware if you do not use it well, you will be on your own.”
Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Esu, who represented Governor Ben Ayade, said the proposed referral hospital would be replicated across the 18 local government areas of the state.
He said the health’s insurance scheme, initiated by the Ayade’s administration, would soon be implemented to cater for the health of the citizens of the state.