NAO detects mischief in Bansang Hospital’s allowance increment 

The report revealed that Bansang Hospital increased its allowances from D1,500 to D3,000 during a board meeting held on 11th September 2021.

According to the audit report, during a meeting held on the 18 December 2021, the board members agreed again to increase the board allowance from D3,000 to D5,000.

“We were not provided with evidence of approval by the Minister for both increments,” Serign Mass Jallow, who read the audit report stated.

Mr Jallow highlighted that an important provision of the Act has not been complied with, increasing the risk of conflict of interest since the board is recommending their own pay increment without the approval of the Minister.

He also noted that another implication could be the loss of funds through payment of unapproved board allowances

He recommended that the appropriate authority should regularise the situation by seeking approval before any allowance increment.

In response to this claim, the Bansang Hospital Management said: “During one of the board meetings where the board was preparing a budget, it was discussed and agreed that the allowance for the board members should be increased to conform with the reality and to be at par with other Hospital boards since it was the farthest hospital.”

They further said the budget was approved by PMO when it was defended. “We have this opinion that it is in line with the Medical and Health Service Act 2009.”

Auditors further commented that the Act needs to be reviewed again. They noted evidence of approval from PMO was not provided for verification of the claim of approval.

Further on the audit report, Mr Jallow stated that they noted in 2019 that the hospital had engaged in an assets disposal exercise and sold five (5) vehicles through auction but there was no evidence of approval by the Minister.

“Essential oversight by the ministry is bypassed, which increases the risk of loss of revenue to the hospital,” auditors underlined.

Henceforth, he added, management should endeavour to seek the Minister’s approval on all auctions as dictated by the Medical Service Act.

In response to this, the hospital said: “This was noted. However, with the advent of the GPPA, this function was shifted to the Authority. This activity was approved by the board and GPPA and the documents were there for review.”

The Finance and Public Accounts Committee after thorough scrutiny and consideration adopted the activity and financial statement of Bansang General Hospital.