Professor Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, expressed his dismay at the pervasive corruption in the health sector and the country as a whole, characterizing it as a deeply entrenched issue.
Addressing a conference organized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission, Pate shared a disturbing experience where donated therapeutic food intended for malnourished children was diverted, prompting him to involve law enforcement.
He emphasized that corruption is a longstanding and pervasive problem in Nigeria, citing a recent instance where donated ready-to-use therapeutic foods meant for severely malnourished children were diverted.
As reported by The Punch News, Professor Pate said, “So when we look at the issue of corruption in Nigeria, which is very long-standing, it’s ubiquitous. I recently just dealt with another case where donated, ready-to-use therapeutic foods were donated to feed acutely malnourished children, free of charge, where we have severe acute malnutrition.
Somebody raised grants, raised resources, brought it to Abuja, deployed it to one of the state capitals, and they filtered away. So corruption is a very deep issue. I have to write to the IG, and I would like to thank him also, specifically for deploying a very senior officer of the police force to be part of the task force. The challenge we face is a system and a paradigm that exists that tolerates, encourages, demands, and accommodates corruption.“
Despite efforts to combat corruption, it remains a deeply ingrained problem perpetuated by existing systems and paradigms. While acknowledging the challenges of tackling corruption in the health sector, Pate stressed the urgent need to improve health outcomes, save lives, reduce physical and financial suffering, and ensure access to healthcare for all Nigerians….Viêw _More
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