ACC and HFAC conducts a joint training in Bo
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and Health for All Coalition (HFAC) has organized a two days training of HFAC monitors on Thursday 14th & Friday 15th July 2011 at the One World Link Multi-purpose Hall in Bo. The training was attended by 60 monitors from all over the twelve districts across the country. (Photo: Cross section of participants listening and taking notes at the workshop)
Opening the training, the Chairman of the occasion, who is also Mayor of the Bo City Council, Dr. Wusu Sannoh, expressed his delight for this timely training especially when the Free Health Care issue has become a national concern and focal to the heart of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma. He further stated that the Free Health Care programme is for all Sierra Leoneans especially children, pregnant women and lactating mothers, and as such should not be undermined by anybody.
Director, HFAC, Charles Mambu addressing the participants of the workshop
Giving an overview of the training, the National Director of HFAC, Mr. Charles Mambu, intimated his audience including the HFAC monitors that his organization has been collaborating with the ACC, but wanted to strengthen this collaboration and expand on their operations by getting more knowledge and understanding on the operations of the ACC and how they can complement and support the work of the ACC.
In his welcome address, the Resident Minister – South, Hon. Moijueh Kaikai commended the ACC in the Southern Region for the good work and pro-activeness demonstrated in carrying out their activities within the region. He further stated without reservation, that the Free Health Care is a “baby” of this Government, and should be well taken care of and that anybody trying to undermine the effort of Government or stealing the Free Health Care drugs for personal and selfish gains will face the full penalty of the law.
Statements were made the Paramount Chief, Kakua Chiefdom, P C Prince Lappia Boima IV and the Medical Superintendent of Bo Government Hospital, Dr. Alimamy P. Koroma, both expressing their commitment and support to ensuring that the Free Health Care programme and delivery system is implemented effectively and efficiently by the duty bearers.
Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Mr. Morlai Buya-Kamara addresses the high table and audience
Making an address on the training, the Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Mr. Morlai Buya-Kamara (above), praised and commended the Health For All Coalition (HFAC) for having being the first organization to approach the ACC and ask for assistance and partnership. He re-emphasized that the move by the HFAC Organization is remarkable and worth credence. Deputy Commissioner Mr. Buya-Kamara went further to tell his audience that everybody present at that opening ceremony was there to find solutions regarding the effective and efficient Health Care delivery system and not necessarily problems. We are to find the way forward and that we should now put the system right and allow the system to work because we still need to access the very system even when we shall have left, Mr. Kamara concluded.
Regina Kajue, HFAC Bo, making a meaningful contribution at the workshop
After the 45 minutes video clip of activities by HFAC, Deputy Commissioner made a short Power-Point presentation on the Overview of the operations of the ACC starting with an explanation of the Mission, Vision and Mandate of the Commission. He highlighted the strategic approach to the fight against corruption, mentioning; public Education, systems Review, Intelligence Investigations & Prosecution and Partnership. He also mentioned strategic partnership with the SLP, Judiciary, Media and Civil society. The current threats faced by the ACC according to Mr. Kamara include; Attitude to Change, Support Growth of ACC and the “How for do syndrome” Deputy Commissioner Morlai Buya-Kamara ended his presentation by highlighting the general challenges faced by the ACC which include; Resources, Reward system, Private Sector support, Political correction and the culture of accountability, saying that the way forward is “Partnership”.
Presenting on Corruption Offences as they relate to health care, The Regional Manager – South Mr. Patrick Sandi reiterated that the AC Act 2008 has provision for over (29) twenty nine offences and highlighting some of the offences in the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, he stressed that the minimum penalty for each offence for corrupt offenders is a fine of not less than thirty million leones or three years jail term or both fine and jail term.
Also, Mr. Mohamed Dumbuya, Head of Monitoring & Compliance Unit at the ACC made his presentation and based it on the report dealing with the Systems & Process Review of the Health Service Delivery nation wide. Mr. Dumbuya also talked about the method used in carrying out their monitoring exercises and these include; questionnaire and interviews. Mr. Dumbuya concluded that there is still light at the end of the tunnel since the ACC is now satisfied that systems are being put in place.
Director of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, (NACS) Mr. Shollay Davies talking on the role of Civil Society at the workshop
In his Power Point presentation also, The Director of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, (NACS) Mr. Shollay Davies (above) talking about “The Role of Civil Society in the Health Sector as perceived by ACC” defined what civil society is all about. Director Davies explained about accountability in the Health Sector and the challenges. He discussed about the intervention strategy civil society can use to handle these issues amongst which is knowing the entry point and where to get information. Mr. Davies ending his presentation highlighted the critical factors of success that should be considered as civil society, and include; the role of the media, State capacity and compromise by civil society.
The day ended by both Health for all Coalition and The Anti-Corruption Commission drafting a joint Press Release on Training of Civil Society and Health for All Coalition (HFAC) monitors on the Identification and Reporting of Corruption issues in the implementation of the Free Health Care Policy.
The closing remark to the workshop was given by the Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Mr. Morlai Buya-Kamara.
Anthony B. Samu, District Coordinator – Bo District
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