Africa-Press – Gambia. The Ministry of Health has responded to the National Assembly’s Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) remarks on the 2020 audited accounts of the Gambian health sector.
In response, the ministry details steps taken to address previous audit findings and strengthen hospital governance. The response was delivered yesterday in Parliament by Hon. Momodou Lamin Samarteh, Minister of Health.
The Minister outlined progress in several hospitals, including Bansang General Hospital, Bundung Maternal and Child Hospital, Serrekunda General Hospital, Farafenni General Hospital, and other subvented institutions. He assured lawmakers that all recommendations from FPAC are being implemented in line with financial regulations and operational capacity.
At Bansang General Hospital, the Ministry provided copies of board meeting minutes from 2022 to 2025 and addressed concerns over the excess number of board members, noting that these appointments were inherited but have since been regularized. The Minister explained that auctioning of obsolete vehicles and other operational decisions were conducted with board oversight and in compliance with the Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA) directives.
He also clarified past practices regarding firewood allowances for hospital kitchen staff, noting that the incentive was discontinued following audit observations, with the hospital now sourcing firewood from local suppliers. Other measures included the installation of safes for cash collections, strict monitoring of biomedical equipment, and the implementation of proper prescription and dispensing protocols at hospital pharmacies.
At Bundung Maternal and Child Hospital, management instituted frequent banking of collections, detailed asset tracking, and strengthened oversight of drug storage. Gambia General Hospital has ensured segregation of duties in revenue collection and implemented the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMIS) to prevent voucher duplication. The Ministry also confirmed that a D20,000 fee paid in error to the University of The Gambia was fully refunded.
Addressing Farafinne General Hospital, the Minister confirmed that missing payment vouchers and supporting documents have been recovered, withholding taxes are being properly remitted, and procurement practices are aligned with GPPA regulations.
The Minister emphasized that while some recommendations are on-going due to resource constraints, the Ministry remains committed to implementing all FPAC resolutions fully and submitting periodic status reports. He further highlighted challenges such as limited development budgets and the need for continuous oversight to ensure transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery across the health sector.
Hon. Samarteh concluded by reassuring lawmakers that the Ministry is prioritizing operational reforms and financial compliance to enhance the efficiency and quality of healthcare services in The Gambia.
For More News And Analysis About Gambia Follow Africa-Press
