Speaking on the purpose of the meeting, ACC Senior Public Education Officer, Al-Hassan Sesay stated that the engagement was consistent with the Commission’s sensitization drive to various pillars of integrity. Sesay noted that the meeting was intended to heighten their awareness on corrupt practices, highlight some loopholes that inhibit the smooth operation of the hospital, raise awareness on the revised citizen’s service charter and solicit their support to partner with ACC in order to wipe out corruption in the hospital environment. The Senior Public Education Officer lauded the efforts of the health workers for the selfless services they are rendering to the nation. He implored them to take their work seriously, as it is crucial in achieving the country’s development aspiration. In his statement on the implementation of the revised Citizen’s Service Charter and key corruption issues, ACC Regional Manager North, Mr. Abu Bakarr Kamara commended the Management and staff of the hospital for the large turnout in the meeting noting that it was a show of commitment to join forces with the ACC to fight corruption. Manager Kamara reminded his audience of ACC’s mandate and noted that its work is not only limited to investigate and prosecute public officers/bodies, but also prevent corruption through effective system review of ministries, department and agencies. He disclosed that lack of proper systems undermined efficient administration and allowed corruption to flourish. He identified some key corrupt practices that are counterproductive to the operations of hospital such as: time theft, absenteeism, soliciting money from free health care patient and misuse of free health care drugs and implements. Manager Kamara enlisted their support in the fight and asked that they serve humanity diligently. Dilating on the roles of the hospital Management in combating corruption, ACC Public Education Officer Abdulai Saccoh noted that corruption is a menace that has rendered most state institutions inept in the delivery of services. Saccoh underscored some of the roles the Management should play to stamp out corruption in the hospital such as: ensuring prudent financial management, enforce disciplinary measures amongst staff, introduce log book for vehicles and motorbikes, institute proper handling of public and donor property and embark on a robust supervision of staff. He implored his audience to imbibe the values of impartiality, professionalism, selflessness, integrity, transparency and accountability in the discharge of their sacred responsibilities.
Earlier, the Medical Superintendent Dr. Mamoud Idris Kamara welcomed the ACC in their midst noting that such engagement will go a long way in strengthening the partnership between the two institutions. He heaped praises on the good work of the Commission and promised on behalf of his colleagues to work within the ambit of the law. He however lamented over the negative attitude of some members of the public towards health workers at the hospital. He called on the public to treat nurses and doctors with respect and abide by the rules and regulations governing the operations of the hospital.
The questions and answers session formed the high point of the meeting.
