BENIN CITY – The House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions has announced plans to carry out a comprehensive audit of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), with particular focus on the hospital’s 2023 and 2024 budgetary expenditure.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Patrick Umo who disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Benin during an oversight visit to the hospital instructed the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, to summon the Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) who served in UBTH between 2023 and 2024 to provide clarifications on the issues raised
Umo was accompanied by the Member representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency of Edo State, Hon. Billy Osawaru.
Umo said the decision to probe the activities of the institution followed several issues observed in its financial records, stressing that the exercise was not intended to witch-hunt the management, but to ensure accountability and transparency in public spending.
“We are here to look at the books. We looked at the 2024 budget expenditure, the budget index, and their projection for 2025. We have also examined their internally generated revenue (IGR), the Drug Revolving Fund, and the nominal roll of the institution,” he stated.
The lawmaker noted that some of the documents submitted by UBTH were not as accurate as expected, adding that the committee would review the records, make its evaluation, and release a detailed report in due course.
“Our report will be out when we sit down as an enlarged committee. We will get back to the hospital and tell them areas where they need to improve and show them their weaknesses and strengths,” he said.
While commending UBTH as one of the biggest tertiary health institutions in the country, Umo stressed the need for the hospital’s management to improve infrastructure, emergency response services, and its payment system.
He further urged staff of the hospital to redouble efforts in meeting the health needs of patients and the general public.
