Senate officials scrutinized MFDP and CBL regarding health sector funding gaps, questioning non-disbursement of budget allocations. CBL Governor Saamoi clarified that reversal of funds is not within their authority, while Deputy Minister Brunson cited a stipulated three-month spend period under PFM-Law. This engagement revealed significant dissatisfaction among Senators regarding the Ministry’s management of health sector financing.
Officials from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) and the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) faced scrutiny from the Senate Joint Committee regarding significant funding gaps in the health sector. This inquiry emerged after County Health Officers were warned about potential forfeiture of their budget allocations for the first quarter if unutilized by the end of March.
During the Senate’s Joint Public hearing on March 20, 2025, representatives from the MFDP, CBL, Ministry of Health, and other agencies gathered to clarify delays in the disbursement of funds intended for hospitals across Liberia. The meeting also aimed to address concerns raised by a memo from the Ministry of Finance regarding potential reversals on appropriated funds.
Henry F. Saamoi, Executive Governor of the CBL, clarified that the bank does not possess the authority to reverse funding once it has been deposited into institutional accounts. He emphasized that these accounts remain accessible for use as long as they are properly funded.
On the other hand, Deputy MFDP Minister for Budget, Madam Tenneh G. Brunson, provided a ambiguous response concerning the memo sent to County Health Officers. She mentioned that according to the Public Financial Management Law (PFM-Law), health officers are allowed three months post-year-end to use allocated funds, after which any unspent funds would revert to the government.
Despite her explanation, Senators expressed dissatisfaction and concern regarding the inability of the Ministry of Finance to disburse funds required for health sector operations, especially as the deadline approached. Questions arose about how the Ministry could enforce these rules when full payments from the previous budget period had not been made, with some Senators criticizing the lack of clarity in Brunson’s responses and her apparent inability to reference specific provisions of the PFM-Law.
In summary, the Senate’s questioning of MFDP and CBL officials highlighted significant gaps in funding for the health sector. Officials struggled to provide satisfactory explanations for the delays and the implications of the financial memo sent to County Health Officers. This issue raises concerns regarding the Ministry of Finance’s capacity to manage and disburse health sector funds effectively, emphasizing the need for transparent communication and accountability.
Original Source: thenewdawnliberia.com
