Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has stated efforts are underway to rectify the issues highlighted in the 2018 audit report of the hospital.
The 2018 audit report of IGMH, prepared by the Auditor General’s Office, highlighted multiple violations of the Public Finance Regulations in awarding contracts for development projects. IGMH said the hospital is currently analysing the audit report and implementing the measures required to rectify the issues highlighted in the report. Noting the current management of IGMH took over on December 3, 2018, IGMH said the hospital has taken extra precautions during the past two years to ensure all projects are carried out in accordance to the laws and regulations.
IGMH further noted the projects carried out by the hospital are often urgent and critical projects which are required to be undertaken at a fast pace. However, the hospital said it accepts the issues highlighted by the Auditor General’s Office, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and other relevant authorities, adding the hospital aims to ensure it adheres to the Public Finance Regulations in conducting its projects.
One of the main issues highlighted in the audit report include the establishment of the Respiratory Centre at a price higher than the amount permitted by the finance ministry. As such, the report stated the ministry had permitted the project to be undertaken at a cost of USD 2.39 million, although the project was carried out under a revised quotation of USD 2.47 million. The report stated the variation had not been approved by the finance ministry.