Intern Medical Officers paid unlawful allowances worth Rs.47Mn

• The whereabouts of 439 vehicles remain elusive   

 By Sheain Fernandopulle   
The Intern Medical Officers who were assigned to 22 central government hospitals for training from January 2016 to March 2022 had been paid Rs.47 million unlawful allowances.  This was disclosed in the annual report 2022 of the Auditor General. The report further said information about the value of illegal allowances paid in excess from 2016 to December 2022 in respect of other hospitals was not submitted to the audit.    

Meanwhile, according to the special audit report on vehicle management of the Ministry of Health issued by the National Audit Office on 22 April 2019, it was revealed that 679 vehicles owned by the Ministry are not included in the register.   
“Despite the assertion that 240 vehicles were identified, the audit lacks adequate supporting information to substantiate this claim. Moreover, the whereabouts of 439 vehicles remain elusive, even as of June 30, 2023, despite the passing of four years since the issuance of the aforementioned special audit report,” it stated.   
Besides, the report said in the year 2020, the Ministry incurred an expenditure of Rs. 239 million for the acquisition of 805 motorcycles. “However, these newly procured motorcycles have not found their place in the Ministry’s Asset Register. As of June 30, 2023, no written agreements had been formalized with the individuals responsible for providing these motorcycles,” the report added.