Staff at the finance department of the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) have raised concerns over the impending takeover of revenue collection by Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB). The change, set to be implemented on Monday, follows an agreement signed between the bank and EFSTH management, but it has sparked fears among staff regarding transparency, corruption, and mismanagement of funds.
The staff expressed their worries, stating that keeping revenue collection in-house would ensure greater control and accountability, protecting the hospital’s financial stability. They urged authorities to reconsider the decision and prioritize the well-being of the hospital and its patients.
The disgruntled staff viewed GTB’s involvement as a betrayal and a potentially fraudulent operation, allowing a commercial bank to fully control a government institution’s revenue. They claimed GTB would receive a percentage between 10 and 20 percent of the revenue collected, causing losses when the hospital already had its staff managing the funds.
Hospital management, however, defended the decision, citing the need to prevent revenue leakage. Dr. Al-Jafari, the chief medical director, emphasized transparency and accountability, stating that GTB would only receive 5% of the revenue collected. He highlighted the hospital’s revenue leakage issues and the need to improve patient care by using funds for medication, consumables, and equipment upgrades.
The implementation of a special account for revenue is expected to address financial challenges and enhance services for patients. Dr. Al-Jafari expressed confidence that the hospital would see positive changes, ensuring that funds are used efficiently to benefit all patients.
The controversy surrounding GTB’s takeover of revenue collection at EFSTH underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in managing public funds, particularly in healthcare institutions.
