The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in the North West Region on Thursday 25th April 2024 unveiled the Service Charter for the Kambia Government Hospital.
This symbolic event is in line with the preventive measures to enhance transparency and accountability in services provided by public bodies.
Addressing the Hospital Management and members of the public during the ceremony, the NorthWest Regional Manager, ACC Madam Fatu Florence Kamara described the service charter as an accountability and a preventive tool that will promote and enhance best practices and quality service delivery to the public. She further stated that the absence of transparency on services provides opportunities for corruption to thrive and for public officers to capitalize on prevailing corruption loopholes and urged the Hospital Management to increase monitoring and internal controls that will improve quality healthcare service delivery.
The Regional Head furthered that, the review of the Service Charter involved several processes and procedures such as, inception meeting, submission of draft copy of the charter, validation process and a number of activities that are aimed to prevent corruption incidences as well as addressing other malfeasances inherent in the operation of the facility.
Calling on the public to support the fight against corruption, Manager Kamara issued a stern warning to public officers to desist from corruption or face the full force of the law.
Making a statement, the Medical Superintendent of the Hospital Dr. Songor Koedoyorma expressed delight and a sense of fulfilment for a completion of the review of the Charter which will positively and immensely contribute to the fight against corruption and to support the operational efficiency of the facility.
"The Charter was obsolete and it affected the smooth running of the hospital," he asserted.
He went on to note that no staff will be tolerated to compromise what has been captured in the Service Charter and Management will not protect anyone found wanting of any corrupt practice and also registered the Hospital's commitment to adhering to the dictates of the Charter.
The representative of the Paramount Chief of Magbema Chiefdom, Dr Nabbie Yayah Yillah described the event as a big win for the people of Kambia and thanked ACC and Hospital Management for a great job done. He expressed hope that the installation of the Service Charter will improve health care service delivery in the District.
The ceremony was climaxed with the cutting of tapes and display of the Service Charter to the public.
The process is expected to continue with popularization and public engagements.