Niger Assembly Committee enhances healthcare oversight with Primary Health facility visits
By: TUNDE BOLAJI – MINNA.
Niger State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Health, Nutrition, and Primary Health Care has embarked on an oversight visit to several level two primary care facilities in the state as part of it’s official duties.
Led by its Chairman, Pharm. Umar Nasir, recently visited facilities both those under constructions and functional in the state capital Minna, in a dedicated efforts to ensure improve healthcare delivery in the state.
The visit, which is a key component of the Committee’s legislative oversight responsibilities, included stops at notable facilities such as the Senator Dr. Idris Ibrahim Kuta Memorial Primary Health Care Centre, Lafiya Jari, Soje B Kpakungu, and Taimakon Juna GPMC, among others.
This initiative was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the state’s healthcare system and to bolster the efforts of the Executive Arm of Government.
During the visit, Chairman Hon. Pharm. Umar Nasir emphasized the Committee’s resolve to extend oversight beyond Minna to encompass other healthcare facilities across the state.
“We are committed to ensuring that healthcare services are accessible to all communities. Our observations will inform our legislative actions moving forward,” he remarked.
The Chairman expressed particular concern regarding the significant number of students being accommodated at the facilities, a situation that could hinder operational efficiency.
He pointed out that the current environment does not support the healthcare staff in fulfilling their professional duties effectively.
The Committee’s findings will culminate in a comprehensive report intended for presentation at the plenary session of the House, paving the way for actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing healthcare service delivery in the State.
Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Dangana, Commissioner for Primary Health Care, expressed gratitude to the Committee for their oversight efforts.
“This visit strengthens our accountability framework and promotes better service delivery, ensuring that the community’s needs are met,” he stated.
Facility managers, including Hadiza Ahmed from Senator Dr. Idris Ibrahim Kuta Memorial Primary Health Care Centre and Aminu Shehu of Lafiya Jari Soje B Kpakungu, voiced their appreciation for the visit and acknowledged ongoing challenges such as manpower shortages and insufficient power supply.
They reassured the Committee of their commitment to implementing recommendations to improve their services.
This proactive collaboration between the legislative and executive branches underscores a unified approach to enhancing healthcare delivery in Niger State, fostering greater accountability and responsiveness to the needs of the community.
