The revelation was made on Thursday, during the appearance of the hospital's management before the Public Accounts and Finance Committee (FPAC) to present their activity report and financial statements for adoption from 2010 to 2018.
Addressing the findings, Mr. Serign Mass Jallow from the NAO, while expressing concern, reminded that the hospital did not deduct 10% withholding tax from suppliers, leading to potential revenue loss for the Gambia Revenue Authority and, consequently, the government.
Jallow thus recommended that the hospital's management take immediate action to ensure the deduction of the required 10% withholding tax from suppliers and contractors, with remittance to GRA as mandated.
He also revealed discrepancies in payment vouchers lacking sufficient supporting documents, further advising all payment vouchers should be accompanied by the relevant supporting documents for inspection.
Another issue raised was the hospital's failure to record, recognise, or disclose motor vehicles owned during the years 2010 to 2018.
Although he noted that there were records of vehicle operating expenses, including fuel purchases in the financial statements, the absence of proper documentation was highlighted.
“However, there was a record of vehicle operating expenses including fuel purchases in the financial statement,” he said.
Additionally, Mr. Jallow addressed the inadequate organisation of the general store, citing a lack of shelves and items scattered throughout. He recommended the management provide shelves for proper arrangement to facilitate easier verification of items.
“We recommended for the management to ensure availability for shelve for eased arrangement,” he said.
Following thorough consideration, the committee decided to adopt the hospital's activity report and financial statements, emphasising the need for corrective actions to address the identified issues.
