The Papua New Guinea Christian Health Services (CHS) team has completed a financial audit of the Sepik Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Health Services, highlighting both commendable accounting practices and critical operational challenges. The audit, conducted over two days in East Sepik Province, comes as the health service faces a dire financial situation, with operational funds nearly depleted and wages at risk of running out.
The CHS team, led by CEO Mr. Ulch Tapia, included Finance Manager Mr. David Langer, Financial Accountant Mr. Daniel Yalinus, and Technical Correspondence Officer Mr. Joel. They worked alongside SDA Health Director Mr. Daiven Watio and Accounts Officer Mr. Pedro Sapui to review the accounts.
While the team praised the accounting performance, they identified several areas needing immediate attention. These include an inadequate filing system, insufficient office space for the health accountant, and irregularities in timesheets for administrative, clinical, and ancillary staff.
The audit was conducted to ensure proper acquittals for previous years, as CHS funding has been withheld for the past three years. The team emphasized that resolving these issues is crucial for the release of the withheld funds, which are urgently needed to sustain health services in the province.
Sepik SDA Health Services is currently in a critical financial state. Operational funds are almost exhausted, and the wages account is insufficient to maintain operations for much longer. The CHS team urged the SDA Sepik Mission’s Chief Financial Officer to address these challenges promptly to restore funding and ensure the continuity of essential health services.
The visit underscores the importance of financial accountability and operational efficiency in maintaining the delivery of healthcare services in East Sepik Province.
