According to daily Post, Atiku in a statement yesterday, in Abuja, said that mechanisms should be put in place to ensure the funds are channeled properly to improve healthcare services rather than vanish under suspicious circumstances.
The former Vice President emphasised the importance of accountability, stressing that every kobo must be properly utilised to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He said, “In recent years, there have been bizarre claims of animals being held accountable for missing public funds. Some of these fairytale-like claims were never investigated or punished to deter future offenders.
“Against the backdrop of dwindling resources that has been exacerbated by the withdrawal of support in certain areas of our healthcare services, it is important that every kobo budgeted for the health sector has to be maximally utilised.
He slamed the Federal Government for failing to provide a clear framework detailing how over $1bn should be spent in the primary health sector.
“We have read that the Federal Government plans to expend a whopping $1.07bn in the primary health sector. This amount is in addition to the N2.48tn earlier proposed for the health sector in the initial budget draft.
“Nigerians deserve to know the details of these loans and how the funds will be spent. The budget should be accompanied by a clear policy framework explaining its disbursement
To this end, the Federal Government has to be deliberate about putting mechanisms in place for public audit and accountability in its $1.07bn budgetary appropriation in the health sector” he noted.
