By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
Freetown – The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Health, chaired by Hon. Wuyata Songa, has issued a stern warning to EcoMed Hospital over its failure to provide crucial documents requested in an ongoing inquiry. The committee, which had instructed the hospital’s administration to submit the documents in a letter dated February 7, 2025, expressed frustration over the delay, emphasizing that non-compliance could lead to serious consequences, including the temporary closure of the facility.
Despite having ten days to prepare the documents, EcoMed’s representatives appeared before the committee on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, without the required paperwork. This failure sparked tension, with Hon. Songa insisting that the documents should have been ready well in advance. According to parliamentary protocol, such requests must be fulfilled within 72 hours, making EcoMed’s delay a violation of established procedures.
The committee chairperson did not mince words, labeling the delay as “contempt of Parliament.” She stressed that adherence to legislative directives is non-negotiable and warned that further inaction could prompt the committee to escalate the matter by involving the relevant ministries.
“We gave you ten days, and you have failed to provide the documentation as requested,” Hon. Songa asserted. “If this continues, we will be left with no choice but to take further action.”
EcoMed’s representative attempted to explain that the documents were still being compiled, but the committee showed little patience for what it described as repeated non-compliance. The hospital now faces a strict deadline of one week to submit the required documents or risk punitive measures, including potential closure.
This incident underscores the crucial role of parliamentary committees in enforcing transparency and accountability within the healthcare sector. As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on EcoMed Hospital to see whether it will comply or face further sanctions.
