The Benue State House of Assembly has summoned Ashi Wende, the executive secretary of the Primary Health Care Board, to appear before it and brief lawmakers on the ongoing renovations of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).

The House presided over by the speaker, Hyacinth Dajoh, summoned Ms Wende during the plenary on Tuesday in Makurdi.

The summon follows a motion moved by Anthony Agom (PDP/Okpokwu).

Mr Agom told his colleagues that Ms Wende was to brief the House on the World Bank-supported renovation of PHCs.

The lawmaker told his colleagues that primary health care formed the foundation of any functional health system, particularly for rural and underserved communities.

He said the assembly was aware that the World Bank, in partnership with relevant federal and state authorities, supported the revitalisation and renovation of PHCs nationwide, including in Benue.

Mr Agom expressed concern about a lack of adequate information regarding the number of PHCs renovated, the criteria used for selecting benefiting facilities, the total funds received or allocated, the timeline for execution, and the current status of the supported projects.

The lawmaker said reports from several communities indicated that some existing PHCs appear to have been neglected despite the said support, raising questions about transparency, equity, and implementation efficiency.

He stated that the absence of detailed and accessible information on the intervention may erode public trust and hinder the House from fulfilling its oversight responsibilities effectively.

Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West), who supported the motion, stated that he was aware that the grant was over ₦8 billion.

Mr Dugeri said the executive secretary should come along with the contractors to provide the lawmakers with other details.

The speaker, in his ruling, said the executive secretary would brief the House on the scope and structure of the World Bank’s support for the renovation of PHCs.

Mr Dajoh said Ms Wende would also avail the House with a detailed report on all funds received, health centres renovated, and those marked for future intervention.

He added that Ms Wende would clarify the selection criteria for identifying the benefiting health facilities and respond to concerns raised.

(NAN)