The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Health has emphasized the importance of diligent implementation of budgetary provisions within the health sector.
During a recent two-day session with heads of various health institutions, Committee Chairman Hon. Ferguson Onwo urged state Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to uphold their financial responsibilities and ensure transparency in their records.
Hon. Onwo, who represents Isoko South 2 Constituency, highlighted the need for optimal budgetary performance from the MDAs in 2024. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to addressing the health needs of Deltans, underscoring that effective execution of the budget is vital for the overall health infrastructure.
The “Performance Review” meeting was part of the committee’s oversight functions, designed to evaluate the efficiency of health institutions as mandated by the Nigerian Constitution. Onwo clarified that the oversight process aims to enhance governance rather than to scrutinize or penalize anyone involved in the health sector.
Stressing the significance of the health sector within the broader MORE agenda of the Sheriff Oborevwori administration, Onwo called on officials to embrace their roles seriously. He urged them to access the funds already allocated to their institutions and deliver quality healthcare services to the citizens of Delta State.
Accompanied by other committee members, including Hon. Festus Okoh and Perkins Umukoro, Onwo also pointed out the necessity of prudent financial management. He advised officials to secure necessary approvals for expenditures, ensuring compliance with legal provisions to maintain accountability.
Onwo also reviewed specific observations regarding each institution’s financial practices, advocating for detailed record-keeping to prevent discrepancies. He commended several institutions for successfully accessing their budget allocations while encouraging them to effectively utilize these funds to tackle existing challenges.
The committee also charged health institutions to enhance their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and prepare for the upcoming budget defense sessions. Those in attendance included key figures such as the Permanent Secretary of the Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Paul Okubor, and leaders from various health agencies and hospitals, all contributing to the conversation on improving healthcare delivery in Delta State.