ADVERTISEMENT

Labour to petition EFCC over ‘corruption’ in health ministry

They unions alleged that the chief executives of NHIS and NPHCDA 'must have been acting in collusion with the health minister.'

Nigeria's Health Minister, Professor Isaac Adewole

Labour leaders in the agencies under the ministry of health have disclosed plans to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged corruption.

The agencies include the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

The decision was sequel to a resolution by the House of Representatives Committee on Health Services to either suspend the NHIS and amend the act setting up the scheme.

Speaking in Abuja, chairman of the committee, Chike Okafor said the scheme have become a ‘conduit pipe’ for corrupt individuals.

ADVERTISEMENT

"What was conceived to make healthcare affordable and accessible to workers has been transformed to a conduit pipe by some persons and organizations to enrich individuals and organizations,” Okafor said.

They alleged that the chief executives must have been acting in collusion with the Minister.

Reacting to the allegation, the director of press in the ministry of health, Aboade Akinola, feigns ignorance of the development, but requested time to get clarifications.

“I am not aware of such, so I need to get a brief from my Principal. I will talk to the relevant officers and let you have my findings. As soon as the Hon Minister returns, I will brief him also,”  she said

When contacted, the NPHCDA public relations, Saidu Salahu, describes the allegation as false and unfounded.

ADVERTISEMENT

He said, the new executive director was repositioning the organization in line with the mandate given to him by the President, for efficiency and meeting the needs of Nigerians.

“The story is unfounded, the ED only upgraded zonal coordinators of the agency to zonal directors and three directors were moved out of the headquarters to head three of the six zones in the country.

“It is only upgrade that happened and the movement does not affect seniority in NPHCDA and not a demotion as alleged by your source,” the spokesman said.

He added that the development at the Agency does not contravened the public service rules.

Efforts to get officials of NHIS to speak on the matter proved abortive, as officials were unwilling to speak to the press on the matter.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Video of weird school competition shows young students licking one another's feet

Video of weird school competition shows young students licking one another's feet

UniCal records highest number of first class graduates in 49 years

UniCal records highest number of first class graduates in 49 years

Army announces names of 17 soldiers killed in shocking Delta attack

Army announces names of 17 soldiers killed in shocking Delta attack

Ooni wants Ile-Ife, Modakeke indigenes to live together peacefully

Ooni wants Ile-Ife, Modakeke indigenes to live together peacefully

'Politics is not about being negative every time' — Peter Obi

'Politics is not about being negative every time' — Peter Obi

Army thinks Okuama community planned shocking murder of 16 soldiers in Delta

Army thinks Okuama community planned shocking murder of 16 soldiers in Delta

27,600 Benue women to receive grants, loans for business growth, self reliant

27,600 Benue women to receive grants, loans for business growth, self reliant

₦184 million per street light project and other shocking figures in 2024 budget

₦184 million per street light project and other shocking figures in 2024 budget

We'll stand with you like wall of Gibraltar - Tinubu tells Edo guber candidate

We'll stand with you like wall of Gibraltar - Tinubu tells Edo guber candidate

Pulse Sports

Super Eagles Bright Osayi-Samuel punches pitch invader as violence erupts following Trabzonspor vs Fenerbahce

Super Eagles Bright Osayi-Samuel punches pitch invader as violence erupts following Trabzonspor vs Fenerbahce

Naija Stars Abroad: Moffi, Chukwueze battle Oshoala, Echegini for POTW

Naija Stars Abroad: Moffi, Chukwueze battle Oshoala, Echegini for POTW

Report: Super Eagles get new coach for Ghana and Mali clash

Report: Super Eagles get new coach for Ghana and Mali clash

Osimhen misses out on N17b payday after Napoli's UCL loss to Barcelona

Osimhen misses out on N17b payday after Napoli's UCL loss to Barcelona

‘Thank you’ - Osimhen’s girlfriend Stefanie Ladewig grateful for being the mother of his child

‘Thank you’ - Osimhen’s girlfriend Stefanie Ladewig grateful for being the mother of his child

4 reasons why Victor Osimhen should choose Arsenal over Chelsea, Manchester United and PSG

4 reasons why Victor Osimhen should choose Arsenal over Chelsea, Manchester United and PSG

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT