By Mabinty M. Kamara
A German medical non-governmental organization known as GERMAN DOCTORS has levelled allegations of corruption against the Serabu Hospital in Bo District.
In a letter addressed to the Bishop of the Bo Diocese which owns and runs the facility, GERMAN DOCTORS alleged that the hospital faced both structural and corruption problems as observed by them while they had been working there.
They said this had persisted despite efforts by the diocese to address the concerns which border mainly an “independent audit to clarify the different corruption issues”, adding: “problems remain and others have worsened.”
The letter states that “In light of the theft of medicines in 2019, the reports by GD’s long term doctor on widespread structural corruption in 2020, and the results of the audit report at the end of 2020 that verified most of the accusations, it was disappointing to see that the clearly needed reform process has not been properly implemented”.
The organization also notes that the latest “violation” of procurement guidelines was in the recruitment process of three management positions in which they weren’t involved and the relevant documents were not produced despite requests.
They say the donors also received a report from a short-term doctor who worked with the Community Health Officers without gloves and medicines to administer treatment to patients, which they say is unacceptable because the organization has been doing all they can to provide the resources needed to provide quality healthcare service to the vulnerable community.
GERMAN DOCTORS say they will cease cooperation with the hospital effective 1 August this year unless their concerns are addressed which will see them extend their services to December 2021.
This decision has huge implications on the healthcare delivery service in that community prompting a local NGO, Bumpeh Gao Development Association to issue a press statement calling for the Anti-Corruption Commission to intervene.
“We the citizens are very much worried over the decision of the German Doctors to terminate all support and collaboration with the community hospital in August 2021” their statement reads, adding: “We are very much worried that a withdrawal of the doctors will bring untold suffering to the vulnerable population in communities and other citizens across the country accessing health services from the hospital”.
Bishop Charles A.M Campbell of the Bo Catholic Diocese could not comment on the allegations when contacted by Politico citing ill health, but he promised to make an arrangement for an interview which did not take place as at press time.
The District Medical Officer of Bo, Roland Casho Mash also refused to comment on the allegations raised by the German Doctors beyond saying that the hospital was owned by the Catholic Mission over which he had no supervisory role.
Copyright © Politico Online (21/07/21)
