Senate Inquiry Reveals Funding Gaps in Liberia’s Health Sector

Officials from Liberia’s MFDP and CBL faced Senate questioning regarding funding gaps in the health sector. The inquiry arose due to potential forfeiture of budget allotments for County Health Officers and highlighted issues of accountability and financial management within the ministries involved. CBL clarified its policy on fund availability, while the MFDP struggled to provide clear answers, raising concerns among senators about budget adherence and health sector operations.

On March 21, 2025, officials from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) and the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) were questioned by the Senate Joint Committee regarding funding shortages in the health sector. This inquiry arose as County Health Officers were warned of possible forfeiture of their budgetary allotments for the first quarter unless they spent the allocated funds by the end of March, despite delays in disbursement.
The Senate held a Joint Public hearing with representatives from the CBL, MFDP, Ministry of Health, Civil Service Agency, and Ministry of Education and Labor aimed at clarifying the reasons behind the funding delays across hospitals nationwide. The officials were asked to justify their actions concerning the recent memo from the MFDP about potential reversals of appropriated funds.
Henry F. Saamoi, the Executive Governor of the CBL, clarified that the bank does not have authority to reverse funds once they have been transferred to an institution’s account, stating that funds are available indefinitely once deposited. His statements indicated that any restrictions regarding fund usage stem from the MFDP rather than the CBL’s policies.
In her response, Deputy MFDP Minister for Budget, Madam Tenneh G. Brunson, did not affirm or deny the memo sent to County Health Officers but noted that according to the Public Financial Management Law (PFM-Law), health officers have three months following the year’s end to utilize their funding; otherwise, funds from the prior year would be reallocated. However, her inability to cite specific sections of the law raised additional concerns among senators regarding compliance with MFDP regulations.
Senators expressed their dissatisfaction with the MFDP’s handling of health sector funding, questioning how strict regulations could apply when the Ministry itself has not fulfilled the 2024 budget obligations by the end-of-March deadline. Brunson’s vague answers failed to alleviate the senators’ concerns, urging accountability from the ministry as they anticipated clearer explanations moving forward.

The Senate inquiry into the funding issues concerning the health sector in Liberia highlighted significant concerns about the MFDP and CBL’s management and disbursement of budgetary allotments. Despite assurances from CBL executives, the lack of clarity from MFDP officials, particularly in relation to the Public Financial Management Law, raised questions about the accountability and operational efficiency of the health funding process. The ongoing challenges illustrate the urgent need for transparent financial practices and timely funding to support the nation’s health services.

Original Source: thenewdawnliberia.com