MoH fails to provide over D1M Covid allowance payment vouchers

“Neither the Accountant General nor the agencies could provide this documentation despite several attempts by the Auditors,” the report stated.

The report was read by the Chairman of the Committee, Alagie S. Darboe, who is the Member for Brikama North and also the Minority Leader.

The report stated that there were some correspondence with payment attachment list of personnel from the Ministry of Health directing hospitals and other health facilities to proceed with the payment of the respective allowances. However, it noted that some staff included in the payment attachment list did not receive allowances. 

The auditors noted overpayment of D1,615,548 for two hundred and twenty-seven (227) personnel, and underpayment of D1,485,565 for two hundred and seventy-five (275) staff. This mainly affected staff in URR and CRR, the report stated. 

Weak inventory system was noted by the auditors at the medical facilities visited, the reported stated, saying: “Stock cards were not maintained, and regular stock counts were not carried out and documented. There is significant risk that items could be lost or stolen without trace.” 

Reading the report further, Hon. Darboe highlighted that based on the evidence obtained by the auditors, “adequate and appropriate evidence was not presented by the Ministry of Health to substantiate the payment of allowances’ to some frontline workers. 

The report states: “There were lapses in internal control, discrepancies noted might not be addressed and funds might be diverted. Payment process did not fully comply with laws and regulations that govern them. 

“In addition, distribution of medical items for use in the fight against COVID-19 was not conducted, in all material respects, in accordance with relevant Laws, Regulations, the Standard Operating Procedures Manual and Stores Regulations. 

“Lapses in the payment of allowances meant money has been misused. In addition, poor controls around the storage and distribution of medical items increased the risk that items have not been available to treat patients.” 

The committee recommended that all payments should be supported with a payment voucher, and this should be retained for future audit purposes.

“Payments should not be processed without such a trail being in place. The missing Payment voucher in respect of the payment of D1,650,000.00 must be produced within 72 hours, failing which the vote controller will reimburse the sum.” 

They also recommended that no payment of allowances should be initiated without a comprehensive list of eligible personnel.

“Any personnel identified and included in the attachment list and considered as eligible personnel is entitled to receive allowances,” they stated, adding: “Payment officers should ensure that monies allocated for specified purposes are only used for the intended purpose. The overpayment of D1,615,548 must be recovered from the vote controller immediately.” 

They further said: “Stock cards should be maintained at all health facilities and regular reconciliations conducted between tally cards and physical items held. Any difference should be investigated.”