Senate Questions MFDP and CBL over Health Sector Funding Delays

On March 21, 2025, officials from Liberia’s MFDP and CBL were questioned by the Senate about funding delays in the health sector. Concerns arose regarding a memo indicating potential forfeitures of budgetary allocations to County Health Officers. CBL and MFDP officials provided explanations, yet senators criticized the lack of clarity and unresolved issues concerning budget management.

On March 21, 2025, officials from Liberia’s 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 followed a warning to County Health Officers about potential forfeiture of their first-quarter budgetary allocations if unspent by March 31.

The Senate hearing involved key representatives from the MFDP, CBL, Ministry of Health, and other relevant agencies, focusing on the reasons for delays in fund disbursement to hospitals. Additionally, the meeting aimed to clarify concerns over a memo from the MFDP regarding financial reversals for County Health Officers.

CBL Executive Governor Henry F. Saamoi clarified that the CBL does not have authority over fund reversals once allocated to accounts. He emphasized that once funds are deposited, they are accessible to the account holders without any restriction on usage duration, attributing limitations to policies set by the MFDP.

Deputy MFDP Minister for Budget, Madam Tenneh G. Brunson, discussed the Public Financial Management Law (PFM-Law), stating that County Health Officers are allowed until three months after the fiscal year to utilize their allocated funds. However, she was unable to cite specific legal references or address concerns surrounding the delayed payments, leaving senators unsatisfied and raising further questions.

Senators expressed discontent over the MFDP’s failure to provide adequate funding for the 2024 budget and questioned the enforceability of regulations when not fully supported by timely disbursements. Many felt that Deputy Minister Brunson’s responses lacked clarity and did not reflect her experience within the ministry.

This ongoing dialogue signifies critical attention on the health sector budget management in Liberia and highlights the need for transparent communication between agencies to ensure effective health service funding and operations.

The Senate’s inquiry into the funding gaps in Liberia’s health sector emphasized significant concerns regarding the disbursement of budgetary allocations. Officials from the MFDP and CBL faced criticism for delays and lack of clarity, particularly regarding the spending deadlines for County Health Officers. The discussions revealed serious issues surrounding financial management policies, raising questions about the government’s commitment to supporting health sector operations effectively.

Original Source: thenewdawnliberia.com