By- Aruna Rashed Toma Bangura
According to the Audit report for 2021, the Dialysis Unit at the Connaught hospital has been closed to the public since October, 2021, because the hemodialysis equipment is not functioning effectively.
The report indicated that the Ministry of Health and Sanitation through the Integrated Health Project Unit (IHPAU) awarded a contract for the supply and installation of hemodialysis equipment for the Connaught Hospital for a contract sum totaling US$556,801.54.
The report revealed that the contract terms were not fully met due to shortfalls in the supply of some consumables and medication amounting to US$56,142.56, adding that a major part of the equipment was damaged during its installation and there was no evidence that it was replaced by the supplier, despite there was a warranty clause in the contract.
The report furthered that the auditors recommended that the supplier should replace the damaged parts and supply the balance consumables and medication amounting to US$56,142.56 or the supplier should pay back all cost in respect of same into the consolidated revenue fund.