By Victoria Ojeme

ABUJA—The Ministry of Health has concluded plans to set up Efficiency Management Unit, EMU, to oversee the flow of funds in the Ministry.

It will be recalled that recent reports in some dailies indicated that some agencies and departments were fingered by the Global Fund on alleged diversion of funds meant for the fight against HIV/AIDS and malaria.

The magnitude of the alleged corruption and the threat by the Global Fund to withdraw its funding and support to Nigeria compelled President Muhammadu Buhari to order the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to probe the alleged misappropriation of Global Fund grants which Nigeria received between 2010 and 2014

Speaking during a meeting with the World Health Organisation, WHO, Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, who is in Nigeria for a three-day official visit, Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, solicited the support of the world health body for the success of the unit.

“At the ministry level, we want to set up an efficiency management unit where we can use our funds properly. We need your technical support. Your support in this respect will be highly appreciated,” the minister said.

The minister also solicited the support of the WHO in the form of resources and technical support to enable the Federal Government succeed in its plan to revitalize over 10,000 Primary Healthcare Centres across the country.

He noted that the Hospital Services department of the ministry is currently working on a concept where, according to him, “where 7 tertiary health facilities will provide emergency care across the country so that there can rapid response to accidents and other emergency cases.

“We will want your support in terms of resources to revitalize the PHCs. Supporting us with expertise will be appreciated.”