HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SUMMON HEALTH MINISTER TO ACCOUNT FOR $300 MILLION 20-03-24
By Sadiq Aminu The House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Malaria, HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis has given the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Pate, and the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, a 72-hour ultimatum to appear before it over allegations of the misappropriation of $300 million meant to tackle malaria since 2021.
The Committee also resolved that the Permanent Secretary should be arrested if she fails to honour the summons, having failed to appear before it after three invitations.
The Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Amobi Ogah, said the Ministry is also expected to answer questions on allegations of denying indigenous manufacturers of insecticidal nets from participating in the contract for the procurement of insecticidal nets and other related products.
Mr. Ogah, who read the resolutions, expressed the displeasure of his members about the absence of the Permanent Secretary.
He added that the cost for the procurement process of antimalarial commodities by the Ministry was over $3 million.