Serious concerns about financial mismanagement at the nation’s primary referral hospital have been raised by a special audit conducted by the National Audit Office (NAO), which found that over 1.3 million dalasis in project funds were transferred into the personal bank account of Dr Jagne, the Deputy Chief Medical Director at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH).
According to the audit, 1,330,000 dalasis intended for the execution of a Medical Research Council (MRC) project were transferred straight into Dr. Jagne’s personal bank account between January 1, 2021, and April 30, 2024. According to the study, Dr. Jagne did not offer any paperwork confirming that the monies were used for their intended purpose or a clear explanation for the transfer.
Although Dr. Jagne had promised to provide supporting documentation during the audit, the NAO observed that none had been provided by the time the report was finished. The Inspector General of Police has been urged by the audit office to launch a thorough inquiry and retrieve the funds in the event that they were found to have been embezzled.
Additionally, 5,102,600 dalasis in dubious payments to those classified as casual labourers were discovered throughout the examination. The likelihood of payments to bogus beneficiaries increased when auditors discovered that payment records lacked identifying information, such as names or ID cards. Along with proper identification, the NAO recommended EFSTH management to provide the persons for in-person verification.
Another problem concerned Patrick Idoko, a staff member who received 614,106.69 dalasis between January and July 2022 even though he failed to show up for work. Even though the money was eventually recovered, auditors expressed disapproval at the lack of prompt disciplinary action and suggested a suspension to deter similar infractions in the future.
According to EFSTH management’s response to the audit, Dr. Jagne provided receipts totalling 490,000 dalasis, while Dr. Sheikh Omar Bittaye, another officer, was responsible for 317,000 dalasis. “The remaining balance will be recovered from those responsible,” the management stressed.
According to management, plans had been made for the casual employees to show up for verification before the audit team. Regarding Mr. Idoko, management clarified that he had been on authorised leave until January 2022 but had not returned to work because of personal issues, such as his father’s illness and passing. According to reports, he agreed to a repayment plan and took ownership of the overpayment. There was a three-month suspension.
As public concern about the handling of finances in the Gambia’s health sector grows, the audit’s findings have led to demands for improved monitoring and internal controls at EFSTH.
