FG inaugurates Governing Boards, Council for health regulatory bodies

 

ABUJA – The Federal Government, Friday,  inaugurated  the Governing Boards/Councils for some of the regulatory bodies for institutions under the Federal Ministry of Health.

The appointments were approved by President Muhammadu Buhari recently in a statement made available by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Affected institutions are Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria (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); Dental   Therapist  Registration   Board   of   Nigeria (DTHRBN).

Inaugurating the appointees, Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, said the appointments and inauguration were a demonstration of the commitment of  Federal   Government   of   Nigeria   towards strengthening   the   health   sector   by  ensuring transparency,   accountability   and   fiscal responsibility.

He urged the Boards and Councils to support the   vision   of   President Buhari in in promoting “these core values.”

He charged the appointees: “It is also important for you all to be clear from the outset as to your role as chairperson and members   of   these   Councils/Boards.    This   is clearly   and   adequately   defined by the laws, rules, policies and guidelines elucidated in the Act setting up these organizations/institutions. You will all be given the appropriate copy to peruse and use to discharge your duties.

“Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen, the main function   of   the   Council/Boards  is   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.   It is very important that I emphasize to you, that   Government   will   not   want   you   to   be directly involved in day-to-day administration of the Institutions.   This function resides with the Registrars/Chief Executive.

“May I also add that 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 revenue, quality of services and training.

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I also advise that you familiarize yourself with the Public Service Rule, Procurement Act, enabling Act of your Council or Board, Fiscal Responsibility Act among others so that your act will not flaunt any law of the federation. Everything must be done in accordance with due process especially the procurement process where the Council/Boards   will   provide   oversight,   but members of the council/boards should not be directly involved.”

He went on: “In   addition,   let   me   also   advise   that recruitment   of   staff  should   also   follow   Due Process.     Only   established   posts   should   be advertized and filled.   The constitutional role of the Federal Character Commission must be respected and adhered to.

“The   composition   of   the   membership   of   the Council/Boards   has   been  carefully   done   in conformity   with   the   laws/Act   setting   up   the Council/Boards.   All the relevant professional bodies   are   represented   as   well  as   relevant ministries, departments and agencies.   I am very   confident   that  you   will   provide   the necessary support and guidance to move the Council/Boards forward to the next level.  It is also   your   duty   to   ensure   that  Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is well utilized and accounted for according to extant regulations.

“You should consider yourselves privileged and honoured   to   be   offered   this  opportunity   to serve   your   fatherland   in   this   capacity   and contribute   your  own   quota   towards   nation building.”

Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Binta Bello, said the motive behind the appointments and inauguration was to provide all health institutions in the country the best standards of patient care in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Bello, who was represented by Director, Hospital Services in the ministry, Dr Wapada Balami, said the initiative was a journey with hopes for a better future. “We look forward to a fruitful cooperation from the Board and advocate for a renewed culture in making Ministry of Health a more viable institution.

“Though we have a long way to go, through joint efforts, we will be able to reach our fundamental goal of achieving health for all. In this sense, I consider this inauguration of council/board members as taking a transcendental role for the future o our nation,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the boards and councils, Dr Abosede Ofi, Chairman, NMCN, pledged that the boards and councils would ensure each of the organization meet the expectation of the Federal Government and work according to the Act setting them up.

A total of 95 persons were inaugurated for the boards and councils.

 

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