GPHC in process of getting its fixed assets registered– CEO tells PAC

GINA, GUYANA, Monday, May 29, 2017

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is in the process of updating its financial system.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Allan Johnson said that the hospital has met with the Auditor General and developed a work plan that will enable it to “finish the accounts in September”.

Johnson added the GPHC is also in the process of procuring the services of a fixed asset coordinator to “get our fixed assets registered.”

The CEO of the hospital appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), today. He and his team were ill-prepared to defend the questions posed to them.

Johnson and Finance Director, Ronald Charles, appeared before the PAC in Parliament Chambers to answer questions on the 2015 Auditor General’s Report.

Chairman of the PAC, Opposition Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali, cut short questions on the progress the GPHC made on updating its financial system after it became clear that neither the CEO nor his technical staff were

equipped to answer questions.

Ali questioned if the GPHC submitted its 2015 financial statements to which the CEO noted that it will be done in September. It was pointed out by Ali that the hospital was in breach of regulations and asked the CEO what sanctions have been taken against staff.

Johnson admitted that none were taken, but he is prepared to write the Finance Director seeking explanation.

The CEO came under criticism from the PAC Chairman after he failed to answer whether monies from 2015 were returned to the consolidated fund. Johnson told the PAC it was, but the Finance Director noted while 2015 funds were returned, he was uncertain if those for 2016 were.

This led to the Chairman suspending the hearing and ordering the CEO to arm himself with a more prepared team when he reappears before the committee at a subsequent time.

 

By: Tiffny Rhodius