Senate to Grill Gov't Functionaries over Delay in 2024 Fiscal Year Health Budget Disbursement

Monrovia, Liberia: The plenary of the Liberian Senate has summoned the Ministers of Health and Finance and Develop Planning along with the Civil Service Agency (CSA) to provide clarity on the reported delay in disbursements and payments to health centers across the country.

It can be recalled that during the State-of-the-Nation (SONA) address, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai announced that his government distributed essential medical drugs to all health facilities across Liberia.

The Senate took the decision on Thursday, March 13, 2025, during its 16th-Day Sitting with a clear mandate that the summoned officials along with their principal deputies appear before the august body.

The Senate is also demanding that the Minister of Health present several documents, including a copy of the Ministry's 2024 National Budget and performance report with a detailed list of drugs imported and distributed to health centers since Minister Jarso Jallah assumed office.

Due to the critical nature of the matter, the Senate has requested the Minister of Health to appear alongside key health institutions, including the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) and the National Drugs Service (NDS), to explain why health centers are reportedly not receiving the necessary drugs despite the approved budget support for fiscal year 2024.

The Senate’s decision was triggered by concerns raised by Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh, who brought the attention of the plenary that several health centers have complained about delays in payments and medical supplies.

The former Finance Minister recounted that during the 2024 budget year, the Senate approved over $70 million in United States dollars for the health sector.

However, according to Senator Konneh, disbursement of the allocated funds has reportedly been delayed since the beginning of the fiscal year.

The cited officials are expected to appear before the Senate on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM to address these pressing concerns that border on the delivery of healthcare services across the country.

Edited: E. Geedahgar Garsuah, Sr.