Reps to probe N11bn State House Clinic budget

House of Representatives on Thursday resolved to set up an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the utilisation of N11.1 billion appropriated for State House Clinic under former President, Good luck Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration respectively.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to investigate the deplorable condition of the State House Clinic and the alleged deductions from the salaries and allowances of the medical staff, sponsored by Henry Archibong (PDP-Akwa Ibom).

In his lead debate, Archibong who noted that the State Clinic has over the years received the sums of N3.94 billion in 2015; N3.87 billion in 2016 and N3.2 billion in 2017 respectively, for upgrading and provision of necessary drugs and equipment.

The lawmaker however observed that despite the huge budgetary allocations, the Clinic lacks necessary facilities such as syringes, drugs and equipment needed to saving lives.

While calling for the intervention of the House, Archibong, who explained that the clinic was established to take care of the health needs of the President and Vice President, their family members as well as members of staff of the presidential Villa, lamented that if this pathetic situation can happen under the watch of presidency.

“You can imagine what will happen elsewhere. It is a shame on this nation.

“This is unacceptable. Less than three years of this government, this amount has been spent. It is unacceptable that the Permanent Secretary and the Minister have not resigned. It cannot happen in other smaller countries. Is this the change we have been waiting for? This is a question,” Archibong noted.

After the robust deliberate on the issue, the House resolved to set up an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the deplorable condition of the State House Clinic and the alleged deductions from the salaries and allowances of the medical staff and report back within three weeks for further legislative action.