The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has carried out a verification exercise of projects, valued at N1.096 billion, at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Nnewi, Anambra State. The appraisal, headed by Charles Abana, was intended to affirm the existence and evaluate the quality of completed projects.
Project Verification and Evaluation
The projects scrutinized were an administrative block, a General Out-Patient Department (G.O.P.D) Block, a Male Surgical Ward, and an Obstetric Ward, all housed at the permanent site of the FMC Nnewi. This exercise forms part of FRC’s mandate to ensure budget compliance with the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and promote fiscal responsibility standards.
Recommendations and Reactions
During the verification process, the FRC team suggested that the medical center contribute 20 percent of its internally generated revenue to the Consolidated Earnings Fund, a proposal rooted in the drive for fiscal responsibility. However, Joseph Ugboaja, the Chief Medical Director of FMC Nnewi, argued that devoting 25 percent of the center’s internally generated revenue to the fund was unfeasible due to the specific nature of the medical center’s operations.
Call for Additional Funds
Ugboaja further appealed for more funds to complete the projects and facilitate the relocation to the permanent site. His appeal underscores the pressing need for additional resources to ensure the completion and full functionality of the healthcare projects at the FMC Nnewi.