Management Letter · DMHS Deputy Minister for Health Services EOC Emergency Operation Center EVD...
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Management Letter
On the Health System Strengthening Project (HSSP)/ Health Result Based Financing (HRBF) Design Project
For the period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015
Yusador S. Gaye, CPA, CGMA Auditor General, R.L.
Monrovia, Liberia
December 2015
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 DETAILED FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................5
1.1 Financial Issue ....................................................................................................5
1.1.1 Procurement ........................................................................................................... 5
1.1.2 Contract Agreement ................................................................................................. 6
1.1.3 Third Party Payments ............................................................................................... 8
1.1.4 Withholding Tax ...................................................................................................... 9
1.2 Administrative Issue ........................................................................................ 11
1.2.1 Internal Audit Function ........................................................................................... 11
1.2.2 Project Implementation Manual............................................................................... 12
1.2.3 Project Technical Committee................................................................................... 12
1.2.4 Project Reports ...................................................................................................... 14
Management letter on the Health System Strengthening Project/ Health Result Based Financing (HRBF) Design Project For the period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015
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ACRONYMS USED
Acronyms/Abbreviations/Symbol Meaning
AFP Audit Focal Person
AG Auditor General
CBO Community Based Organizations
CGMA Certified Global Management Accountant
CPA Certified Public Accountant
DMA Deputy Minister for Administration
DMHS Deputy Minister for Health Services
EOC Emergency Operation Center
EVD Ebola‟s Virus Disease
FS Financial Statements
GOL Government of Liberia
HRBF Health Result Based Financing
HRBFDP Health Result Based Financing and Design Project
HSSP Health Systems Strengthening Project
IFR Interim Financial Reports
INTOSAI International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions
IPSAS International Public Sector Accounting Standards
ISSAI International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions
LMDC Liberia Medical and Dental Council
MOH Ministry of Health
MOH&SW Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
No. Number
OFM Office of Financial Management
PBF Performance Based Financing
PCO Project Coordination Office
PFM Public Financial Management
PIM Project Implementation Manual
PPC Public Procurement & Concessions
QPR Quarterly Progress Report
SOE Statement of Expenditures
TA Technical Assistance
ToR Term of Reference
UNOPS United Nations Office for Project Services
USD/US$ United States Dollars
Management letter on the Health System Strengthening Project/ Health Result Based Financing (HRBF) Design Project For the period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015
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December 30, 2015
Dr. Bernice T. Dahn
Minister
Ministry of Health
Republic of Liberia
Dear Dr. Dahn: Re: Management Letter: Financial Audit of the Health System Strengthening Project
(HSSP)/Health Result Based Financing (HRBF) Design Project being implemented by the Ministry of Health for the Period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015
The audit of the financial statements of the Health System Strengthening Project (HSSP)/Health
Result Based Financing (HRBF) Design Project of the Ministry of Health for the period July 1, 2014
to June 30, 2015 was commissioned by the Auditor-General (AG) under the AG‟s statutory mandate
as provided for in Section 2.1.3 of the General Auditing Commission Act of 2014 as well as the Audit
Engagement Terms of Reference (ToR).
Introduction
The audit of the Health System Strengthening Project (HSSP)/Health Result Based Financing (HRBF) Design Project for the period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015 has been completed and the purpose of this letter is to bring to your attention the findings that were revealed during the audit.
Audit Scope and Determination of Responsibility
The audit of the project was carried out in accordance with the International Standards of Supreme
Audit Institutions (ISSAIs), as promulgated by International Organization of Supreme Audit
Institutions (INTOSAI) as well as the Audit Engagement Terms of Reference (ToR). These
standards require that we plan and perform the audit so as to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the Health System Strengthening Project (HSSP)/Health Result Based Financing (HRBF)
Design Project Financial Statements and related records are free of material misstatements due to
errors or fraud and whether they comply with ethical requirements.
An audit involves:
Examination on a test basis of evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements;
Assessment of the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management; and
Evaluation of the overall financial statement presentation.
An audit also includes an examination, on a test basis, of evidence supporting compliance in all
material respects with the relevant laws and regulations which came to our attention and are
applicable to financial matters.
The matters mentioned in this letter are therefore those that were identified through tests
Management letter on the Health System Strengthening Project/ Health Result Based Financing (HRBF) Design Project For the period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015
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considered necessary for the purpose of the audit, and it is possible that there might be other
matters and/or weaknesses that were not identified.
The financial statements, maintenance of effective control measures and compliance with laws and
regulations are the responsibility of the Management of the Health System Strengthening Project
(HSSP)/Health Result Based Financing (HRBF) Design Project. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements.
The audit findings which were identified during the course of the audit are included in this report. Appreciation
We would like to express our appreciation for the courtesy extended and assistance rendered by
the staff of the Health System Strengthening Project (HSSP)/Health Result Based Financing (HRBF)
Design Project of the Ministry of Health (MOH) during the audit.
Monrovia, Liberia
December 2015
Management letter on the Health System Strengthening Project/ Health Result Based Financing (HRBF) Design Project For the period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015
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1 DETAILED FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1.1 Financial Issues
1.1.1 Procurement
Observation
1.1.1.1 Section 54(1) of the 2010 Amended Public Procurement and Concessions (PPC) Act
states that, “Quotations shall be requested in writing from as many bidders as
practicable, but from at least three (3) bidders.”
1.1.1.2 During the conduct of our audit, we observed that the HSSP/HRBF Design Project
Management authorized a payment of US$2,550.00 to LR & Son representing payment
for communication and modem for the HSSP Project without soliciting the required
number of quotations.
Risk
1.1.1.3 Failure to obtain the required number of quotations is a breach of the PPC Act and could
lead to value for money not been achieved.
Recommendation
1.1.1.4 The Management of the HSSP/HRBF Design Project should provide justification for not
soliciting the required number of quotations for the above transaction.
1.1.1.5 Going forward, the Management of HSSP/HRBF Design Project should ensure that the
provisions of the PPC Act are unconditionally adhered to.
Management Response
1.1.1.6 The Project Management acknowledges the procurement issue raised in the audit.
Management wants to register that procurement transactions under the HRSP/HSSP are
primarily governed by the World Bank (WB) procurement guidelines. Notwithstanding,
the PPCC Act is considered if the need arises. The MOH does not separate contractual
arrangements separately for the World Bank‟s related projects.
1.1.1.7 Under the WB procurement guidelines, the procurement of fuel and scratch cards are
considered as operational expenses. Therefore, it only requires that one follows the
shopping method, if so desired.
1.1.1.8 In the case of the issue raised involving LR & Son, we agree that there were only two
quotations. The problem is that we were being constrained to procure Cellcom scratch
cards for modem subscription and that LR & Son and the other vendors were the only
available distributors for Cellcom. Cellcom could not sell to us directly without making
cash payment; Cellcom operates on a prepaid arrangement.
Management letter on the Health System Strengthening Project/ Health Result Based Financing (HRBF) Design Project For the period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015
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1.1.1.9 Going forward, if such situation emerges, the project management office will ensure that
a „Note to the File‟ is documented to support the expected transaction(s).
Auditor General’s Position
1.1.1.10 Section 3.5 of the World Bank Procurement Guidelines states that “Shopping is a
procurement method based on comparing price quotations obtained from several
suppliers (in the case of goods), from several contractors (in the case of civil works), or
service providers (in the case of non-consulting services) with a minimum of three, to
assure competitive prices, and is an appropriate method for procuring limited quantities
of readily available off-the-shelf goods or standard specification commodities of small
value, or simple civil works of small value when more competitive methods are not
justified on the basis of cost and efficiency. If the Borrower has been unable to obtain at
least three quotations, it shall provide the Bank with the reasons and justification why no
other competitive method could be considered and obtain a no objection before
proceeding on the basis of the only responses already received”. Therefore, we maintain
our audit recommendation.
1.1.2 Contract Agreement
Observation
1.1.2.1 Section 7.1 of the MOH Financial Management Policies and Procedure Manual states that
“the objective of the payments procedures is to ensure that all expenditures paid from
the Grant are budgeted for, supported by valid purchase order, proof of goods/ service
received, goods are acceptable and, are properly approved and authorized”.
1.1.2.2 During the course of the audit, we observed that the HSSP/HRBF Design Project
Management authorized payments totaling US$3,093 to Aminata & Sons Inc,
representing payments for the supply of fuel/gas for the HSSP Project vehicles on June
4, 2015 without adhering to the requirement of the Amended PPC Act of 2010.
1.1.2.3 Additional, the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) Management made payment
of US$500.00 to Jerry Kollie for Contractor Services rendered without evidence of any
service be perform by Mr. Kollie.
Risk
1.1.2.4 Purchasing of fuel or gas without adhering to the required provision of the 2010
Amended PPC Act, is a breach and could lead to value for money not been achieve
1.1.2.5 Payment to contractor without evidence of services rendered is a violation of section 7.1
of the Ministry of Health financial procedure manual and could lead to the non-
achievement of the Project objectives.
Management letter on the Health System Strengthening Project/ Health Result Based Financing (HRBF) Design Project For the period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015
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Recommendation
1.1.2.6 The Management of the HSSP/HRBF Design Project should provide justification for the
procurement of fuel without adhering to the required provision of the Amended PPC Act
of 2010.
1.1.2.7 The Management of HSSP/HRBF Design Project should provide justification for payment
made to Jerry Kollie without evidence of any service rendered.
Management Response
1.1.2.8 The MOH had a contract with Aminata & Sons Inc. for the procurement of gas/fuel for
the entire Ministry‟s operation for the period of the procurement. All projects within the
Ministry use this contract to procure gas/fuel for operational support and the HSSP/HRBF
is no exception. However, the contract with Aminata & Son Inc. expired at the end of
the fiscal year. While the Ministry was in the process of renewing said contract, there
was an urgent need to supply gas/fuel for the Project vehicles, including ambulances
assigned at various health centers.
1.1.2.9 The Project Management will take corrective action and will ensure that all Contractual
Agreements for vendors are adhere to and/or the shopping method of procurement is
utilized going forward to avoid the reoccurrence of the audit observations or findings
mentioned. If it becomes compelling due to unexpected situation, we will do „Note to the
File‟ to support the transaction.
1.1.2.10 We agree that payment made to Jerry Kollie was done by the Liberia Medical and Dental
Council (LMDC) with funding from the HSSP/(HRBF) Design Project for which LMDC is
required to provide retirement report to the HSSP Management. From the feedback we
obtained from the LMDC, there may have been a confusion in nomenclature as to
whether or not the task performed by Mr. Kollie was considered getting consultancy fee
or an honorarium. Nonetheless, Management of the HSSP/HRBF will work with LMDC
Management to ensure that payments made to contractors are carried out in compliance
with the Ministry of Health Financial Management Policies and Procedure Manual.
Auditor General’s Position
1.1.2.11 The Management of HSSP/HRBF should ensure that procurement activities of the project
are carried out in line with the Ministry of Health financial procedure manual.
1.1.2.12 The justification by the HSSP/HRBF Management in relation to the payment of US$500
to Jerry Kollie is not adequate. Therefore, the Management of HSSP/HBRF should
account for the US$500 payment made by LMDC to Mr. Jerry Kollie.
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1.1.3 Third Party Payments
Observation
1.1.3.1 Section 7.3 Paragraph 2 of the Ministry of Health Financial Management Policies and
Procedure Manual states that “Payments for goods and services provided are made only
to the vendor/service provider. No payments shall be made to third parties.”
1.1.3.2 During the conduct of the audit, it was observed that payment in the amount of
US$2,000 which represents salary for Mark W.S. Kieh was made to Ednajean Jallah
without evidence of authorization from the payees to support the payments.
1.1.3.3 Similarly, a payment of US$500.00 representing quarterly verification for several verifiers
was made to Mark W.S. Kieh without evidence of full cash disbursement to the payees.
See table 1 below for details:
Table 1: Salary payment made to third party plus quarterly verification payment made
to third party
# Date Reference Payees Payment made to Amount(US$)
1. Nov. 17, 2014 00016571 Mark W. S. Kieh Ednajean Jallah 2,000.00
2. July 27, 2014 0576520 Obed Dolo, and others Mark W.S. Kieh 500.00
1.1.3.4 It was also observed that a payment of US$1,600 in favor of six verifiers representing
payment for quarterly verification carried out at the Redemption Hospital was made in
the name of Nyaquoi K. Kargbo, on December 9, 2014 without evidence of onward
payments to the verifiers. See table 2 below for details:
Table 2: Third party payment made for quarterly verification
# Date Reference Payees Payment made to Amount(US$)
1. Dec. 9, 2014 00016568. Benedict Kolee and others Nyaquoi K. Kargbo 1,600.00
1.1.3.5 Additionally, two payments in the amount of US$2,000 and US$400 respectively were
made to D. Morris N. Farwen, LMDC Finance Officer for the purchase of stationeries and
payment for honorarium to five LMDC Staff for their contribution to HSSP. See table 3
below for details
Table 3: Third party payment made for stationeries and honorarium # Date Reference Payees Payment made to Amount(US$)
1. Nov. 17, 2014 000016572 J.B Stationery Business Center
D. Morris N. Farwen 2,000.00
2. Dec. 12, 2014 00016569 Patrick B. Josiah and others
D. Morris N. Farwen 400.00
Risk
1.1.3.6 Payments to third party are violation of the Ministry of Health Financial Management
Policies and Procedure Manual and B. 28 of the PFM Regulation of 2010 which could lead
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to the project fund being diverted into personal use.
Recommendation
1.1.3.7 The Management of the HSSP/ HRBF Design Project should provide justification for not
adhering to Section 7.3 of the Ministry of Health Financial Management Policies and
Procedure Manual and B. 28 of the PFM Regulations of 2010.
1.1.3.8 Going forward, the Management of the HSSP/ HRBF Design Project should ensure
adherence to the Ministry of Health Financial Management Policies and Procedure
Manual.
Management Response
1.1.3.9 Management acknowledges your findings and notes that the LMDC was responsible for
all payments made under the heading “third party” as mentioned.
1.1.3.10 We also note that there may have been some procedural errors involved in the
transactions though the beneficiaries rightfully received their payments as per our own
inquiries conducted. Meanwhile, we will compel the LMDC to provide documentation for
the action taken. Going forward, we will ensure that payments to be made by the LMDC
Management for either salaries, goods, etc are done in the name of the payee(s) as
required.
Auditor General’s Position
1.1.3.11 We acknowledge Management‟s acceptance of our recommendations. However, we will
make a follow-up on the implementation of the audit recommendations.
1.1.4 Withholding Tax
Observation
1.1.4.1 Section 52(a) of the 2011 Amended Revenue Code of Liberia states that” a taxpayer is
required to pay the correct tax liability on or before the payment due date. If a taxpayer
does not pay by that date (determined with regard to any granted extension of time to
make payment) the amount shown as tax liability on the taxpayer‟s return, a penalty is
imposed. If the delay in payment is for not more than a month, the penalty is 5% of the
amount of tax shown”.
1.1.4.2 Also, Section 52 (f) paragraph 1, of the 2011 Amended Revenue Code of Liberia states
that” if a Payer makes a payment to a resident for services rendered, and the services
are not the subject of a contract of employment, the payer is required to withhold tax at
the rate of 10% of the amount of the payment”.
1.1.4.3 Section 52(e) also states that a payer who makes a payment of wages or salary to an
employee in an amount that during the tax year exceeds the standard deduction amount
Management letter on the Health System Strengthening Project/ Health Result Based Financing (HRBF) Design Project For the period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015
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of Section 205(a) is required to withhold a tax from each payment in according with the
income tax rates specified in Section 200(a).
1.1.4.4 Additionally, Section three(3) of contract number 002/2013 TA-PBF, entered into
between the Ministry of Health and the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC)
requires that the contract cost paid to LMDC is inclusive of all of the consultants‟ cost
and profits as well as tax obligation that might be imposed on the consultants.
1.1.4.5 During the conduct of the audit, we observed that the LMDC Management failed to
deduct and remit the applicable withholding taxes from the total of US US$17,400 paid
to various consultants/employees for services rendered for four (4) months as required
by the 2011 Amended Revenue Code of Liberia. See table 4 below for details:
Table 4 withholding Tax
Tax period Names Position Gross Monthly
Salary US$
Taxable Income For Four Months
US$
03–30-14 to 06-30-14
Mark W.S. Kieh Technical Coordinator/HSSP
2,000.00 8,000.00
03–30-14 to 06-30-14
James K. Sorsor, Sr. Coach/HSSP 1,500.00 6,000.00
03–30-14 to 06-30-14
Kendrick Kiawon Coach/HSSP 500.00 2,000.00
03–30-14 to 06-30-14
D. Morris N. Farwen Comptroller 350.00 1,400.00
Total 4,350.00 17,400.00
Risk
1.1.4.6 Failure to withhold and subsequently remit taxes to the Liberia Revenue Authority as
required by the 2011 Amended Revenue Code of Liberia is a breach and could deprived
the Government of Liberia of much needed resources.
Recommendation
1.1.4.7 The Management of HSSP/ HRBF Design Project should ensure that the require taxes
and its penalties are paid to the Liberia Revenue Authority.
1.1.4.8 Going forward, the HSSP/ HRBF Design Project Management should ensure that the
required taxes are deducted and subsequently remitted to the Liberia Revenue Authority
on payment made to consultants/employees for services rendered.
Management Response
1.1.4.9 Management recognizes your findings and will make sure that the Management of LMDC
subsequently deduct and remit on a timely basis the required taxes from its
employees/consultants. For the amount of US$1,740.00 (US$17,400.00*10%) not
withheld, the LMDC is liable and will be made to pay said amount into GOL Revenue or
Management letter on the Health System Strengthening Project/ Health Result Based Financing (HRBF) Design Project For the period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015
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provide evidence that it has already been paid. Further, the LMDC will be written
formally requesting for the regularization of deducting withholding taxes from
consultancy fees and salaries as required.
Auditor General’s Position
1.1.4.10 We acknowledge Management‟s acceptance of our recommendations. However, we will
make a follow-up on the implementation of the audit recommendations.
1.2 Administrative Issues
1.2.1 Internal Audit Function
Observation
1.2.1.1 Section 15, paragraph 15 of the Ministry of Health Financial Management Policies and
Procedure Manual states that, “The Internal Auditors should furnish an audit report to
the Minister of Health and all Deputy Ministers with an executive summary of the critical
issues/findings that require attention of the Senior Management”.
1.2.1.2 During the conduct of the audit, it was observed that the Internal Audit Unit of the
Ministry of Health did not conduct an audit on the activities of the HSSP/HRBF Design
Project.
Risk
1.2.1.3 The lack of an internal audit report on the assessment of the financial and administrative
controls of the HSSP/HRBFDP could lead to errors not being detected and reported on a
timely basis for corrective action.
Recommendation
1.2.1.4 The Internal Audit Unit should conduct periodic audit on the activities of the HSSP/ HRBF
Design Project and provide report to senior Management for implementation.
Management Response
1.2.1.5 Management accepts your findings and will encourage the MOH Internal Audit Unit to
carry out periodic review and audit of the HSSP/ Health Result Based Financing (HRBF)
Design Project and will ensure that audit reports from Internal Audit Unit are submitted
to Senior Management for implementation as required by Section 15 of the Ministry of
Health Financial Management Policies and Procedure Manual.
Auditor General’s Position
1.2.1.6 We acknowledge Management‟s acceptance of our recommendation. However, we will
make a follow-up on the implementation of the audit recommendation.
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1.2.2 Project Implementation Manual
Observation
1.2.2.1 Section II, paragraph I of the HSSP/ HRBF Design Project Grant Agreement signed on
July 13, 2013 requires the adoption of a Project Operations Manual to guide the
implementation of the Project. The Project Implementation Manual shall be in form and
substance satisfactory to the World Bank, containing detailed administrative,
organizational, procurement, financial management, safeguards, monitoring and
evaluation procedures as shall be required for the Project.
1.2.2.2 During the conduct of the audit, we observed that the HSSP/ HRBF Design Project
Management operated for a period of two years without an approved Project
Implementation Manual to guide its operations.
Risk
1.2.2.3 In the absence of an approve Project Implementation Manual, implementation of the
project activities could be conducted arbitrarily which could lead to the project objective
not being achieved.
Recommendation
1.2.2.4 The Project Coordinating Office of the HSSP/ HRBF Design Project should ensure that
the Project Implementation Manual is finalized and adopted to guide the operations of
the project.
Management Response
1.2.2.5 We note the recommendation. However, we wish to indicate that implementation of the
HSSP Pre-pilot was guided by a mutually agreed draft Project Implementation Manual
(PIM) with the understanding that same will be finalized based upon experiences gained
during the HSSP Pre-pilot. To this end, a consultant was competitively selected to
commence work which was suspended due to the Ebola outbreak. However, the PIM will
be finalized and adopted before the next audit.
Auditor General’s Position
1.2.2.6 We acknowledge Management‟s acceptance of our recommendation. However, we will
make a follow-up on the implementation of the audit recommendation.
1.2.3 Project Technical Committee
Observation
1.2.3.1 Section I, paragraph 1 of the HSSP/ HRBF Design Project‟s Grant Agreement signed on
July 13, 2013, required the establishment of a Project Technical Committee one month
after the effective date of the Grant Agreement and thereafter maintain, throughout the
implementation of the Project, a Project Technical Committee with functions,
Management letter on the Health System Strengthening Project/ Health Result Based Financing (HRBF) Design Project For the period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015
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composition and resources satisfactory to the Association, to be responsible for
overseeing the implementation of the Project.
1.2.3.2 Without limitation to the provisions of Paragraph I, the Project Technical Committee shall
meet quarterly.
1.2.3.3 During the conduct of the audit, we observed that there was no evidence to show that
the Project Technical Committee met quarterly for the period under audit to discuss the
project activities as required by the Project Grant Agreement.
Risk
1.2.3.4 In the absence of the Project Technical Committee quarterly meeting, implementation of
the project activities could be hindered, thereby affecting the timely implementation of
the project‟s activities.
Recommendation
1.2.3.5 The Project Technical Committee of the HSSP/ HRBF Design Project should provide
justification why the Project Technical Committee failed to meet quarterly.
1.2.3.6 Going forward, the Project Management should ensure that the HSSP/ HRBF Design
Project Technical Committee meet quarterly as required by the Project‟s Grant
Agreement.
Management Response
1.2.3.7 We note the recommendation and acknowledge that the Project Technical Committee
(PTC) has not been functional for the period under review due largely to the outbreak of
the EVD. As a matter of fact, during the period under review, the Minister of Health
mandated that all program and project heads as well as technical staff focus their
attention on the fight against the EVD. Thus, the Chair of the Project‟s Technical
Committee who is the Deputy Minister for Health Services & Chief Medical Officer, R.L
was heavily focused on the restoration of the health systems. Therefore, there was no
time to call PTC meeting couple with the slow pace of project implementation due to the
outbreak. Going forward, the project management will ensure the functionality of the
PTC and will document the minutes thereof.
Auditor General’s Position
1.2.3.8 We acknowledge Management‟s acceptance of our recommendation. However, we will
make a follow-up on the implementation of the audit recommendation.
.
Management letter on the Health System Strengthening Project/ Health Result Based Financing (HRBF) Design Project For the period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015
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1.2.4 Project Reports
Observation
1.2.4.1 Section II, E of the HSSP/ HRBF Design Project Grant Agreement signed on July 13,
2013 requires the Project Management to prepare a program of activities (including
Training and Operating Cost) proposed for inclusion in the Project during the following
calendar year, including: (a) a detailed timetable for the sequencing and implementation
of such activities and (b) a proposed budget and financing plan for such activities. The
Project Management shall furnish such program of activities to the World Bank no later
than June 15 of each year, for its review and approval by the World Bank.
1.2.4.2 Also, Section II, F states, “without limitation upon the other reporting obligations under
the Grant Agreement, the Ministry of Health shall regularly collect and compile on a
semi-annual basis, and submit to the World Bank as part of the Project Report, reports
on the status of compliance with the Safeguard Documents, giving details of(a) measure
taken in furtherance of the Safeguard Documents;(b) conditions, if any, which interfere
or threaten with smooth implementation of the Safeguard Documents; and(c) remedial
measures taken or required or to be taken to address such conditions”.
1.2.4.3 Additionally, Section III mandates that the HSSP/ HRBF Design Project Management
shall monitor and evaluate the progress of the Project and prepare Project Reports in
accordance with the provisions of section 2.06 of the Standard Conditions and on the
basis of indicators acceptable to the World Bank and set in the Project Implementation
Manual. Each Project shall cover the period of one calendar semester, and shall be
furnished to the World Bank by June 1, and December 1, of each calendar year.
1.2.4.4 HSSP/ HRBF Design Project Management shall also prepare the completion report in
accordance with the provisions of Section 2.06 of the Standard Conditions. The
completion Report shall be furnished to the World Bank not later than six (6) months
after the Closing Date.
1.2.4.5 During the conduct of the audit, we observed that there was no evidence to show that
the above mentioned reports of the Project were prepared by the Project Management.
Risk
1.2.4.6 In the absence of the above mentioned reports, the status of the implementation of the
Project activities cannot be assured.
Recommendation
1.2.4.7 Going forward, the Management of the HSSP/ HRBF Design Project should ensure that
all reports should be prepared as enshrined in the Grant Agreement of the project.
Management letter on the Health System Strengthening Project/ Health Result Based Financing (HRBF) Design Project For the period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015
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Management Response
1.2.4.8 We note the recommendation. However, project implementation activities were very
slow due to the Ebola outbreak and as such, quarterly progress reports for three
quarters were not prepared and submitted. As a matter of fact, the senior management
of the MOH mandated that the project as well as other projects lend full operational
support to the fight against the EVD including the secondment of HSSP staff to support
the Emergency Operation Center (EOC). During the period of the E
VD, all pre-pilot activities of the HSSP were halted.
1.2.4.9 Please see attached last quarter (April – June 2015) programmatic report from the
Project Coordination Office. Going forward, the HSSP/ (HRBF) Design Project
Management will ensure that the various reports as required by the Project Grant
Agreement are prepared and submitted to the relevant stakeholders.
Auditor General’s Position
1.2.4.10 We acknowledge Management‟s acceptance of our recommendation. However, we will
make a follow-up on the implementation of the audit recommendation.