The Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated the Governing Council/ Boards of some of the health Professional Regulatory Bodies under the Federal Ministry of Health.
Inaugurating the Board in Abuja today, the Minister of Health, Prof.Isaac Adewole said that the inauguration of the Councils/Boards was a demonstration of the commitment of the federal government of Nigeria towards strengthening the health sector by ensuring transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility.
He reminded the Chairpersons and members of the Councils/Boards of their roles which are clearly and adequately defined by the laws, rules, policies and guidelines enshrined in the Act setting up the organizations/institutions.
He said that the main function of the Councils/Boards was to provide oversight on the management to ensure smooth implementation of government policies, effective and efficient utilization of resources, the observance of extant laws and regulations as well as ensuring accountability of funds and high-level performance.
Prof. Adewole cautioned the Chairpersons and members not to be directly involved in day-to-day administration of the institutions, adding that this function resides with the Registrars/Chief Executives.
He said: ‘’in the discharge of your duties, your Council/Board must be mindful of the need for efficient management of scarce resources at all times. It is our expectation as Government that you will strengthen the resource base of the Institution, increase internally generated revenues, quality of services and training’’.
He advised them to familiarize themselves with the Public Service Rules, Procurement Act, the enabling Act of the Councils/Boards, Fiscal Responsibility Act amongst others so that their actions will not flaunt any law of the Federation, stressing that everything must be done in accordance with due process, especially in the procurement processes where the Councils/Boards will provide oversight.
He also called for caution in the recruitment of staff which he said due process must be followed noting that only established posts should be advertized and filled. “The constitutional role of the Federal Character Commission must be respected and adhered to’’, he said.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs.Binta Adamu Bello, who was represented by Dr. Wapada Balami, Director of Hospital Services said that the motive behind this initiative was to provide all health institutions in Nigeria with the best standards of patient care in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
She said: ‘’though we still have a long way to go, through joint efforts, we will be able to reach our fundamental goal of achieving health for all’’.
Responding on behalf of other Board members, Dr.Abosede Bola Ofi who is the Chairperson of the Nursing and Midwifery Council Of Nigeria noted that the Councils/Boards are so inter-related and inter-dependent adding that they will collectively work to ensure that Nigerians receive quality and affordable care.
While soliciting government support, she assured that they will discharge their responsibilities according to due process, work assiduously to take the institutions to a greater height and would adhere strictly to the rules and regulations of their various Councils/Boards.
The Councils/Boards inaugurated include: Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigerian (N&MCN), Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN), Dental Technologists Registration Board of Nigeria (DTRBN), Institute of Chartered Chemist of Nigeria (ICCON), Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN) and Dental Therapist Registration Board of Nigeria (DTHRBN).
