The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has pledged to thoroughly investigate the alleged disappearance of 13,350 diapers earmarked for antenatal care at the Sambawa Primary Health Centre in Kebbi State.
ICPC Chairman Musa Adamu made this commitment during a one-day conference themed “Engendering Corruption-Free Primary Health Care Delivery For All,” held in Abuja on Thursday.
Adamu said the commission will uncover the criminal conduct and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“The Sambawa community in Kebbi State recently petitioned us regarding the missing antenatal care items for pregnant women and newborn babies,” Adamu stated.
“Our preliminary investigation indicates that 13,350 diapers allocated to the Sambawa Primary Healthcare Centre are missing, although the Kebbi State Primary Healthcare Agency reports a figure of 3,466.”
Despite the discrepancy, Adamu confirmed that two staff members from the Sambawa Primary Healthcare Centre have been indicted.
The purpose of the conference, organised by the ICPC, is to engage public support in combating corruption within the healthcare sector.
Adamu said the commission aims to ensure corruption-free primary healthcare delivery across Nigeria, noting the critical role of the health sector in maintaining a healthy society.
The event gathered key stakeholders from community healthcare to foster a comprehensive and collaborative approach to improving primary healthcare services.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the conference will facilitate the exchange of anti-corruption strategies and resource allocation to tackle corruption in the healthcare system.
Minister of Health Muhammed Pate addressed the multifaceted challenges faced by the nation’s primary health centres (PHCs), including corruption.
“Corruption in the health sector cannot be isolated from other sectors,” Pate stated.
“Addressing this challenge requires a collective effort to ensure a prosperous future for Nigeria.”
Chris Isiguzo, National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), also said; “Corruption in primary healthcare delivery not only diverts essential resources but also erodes trust in public institutions and compromises the quality of care,” Isiguzo said. “Tackling this issue is a moral imperative.”
The conference was attended by representatives from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), the United Nations Development Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the World Health Organisation (WHO), among others.
