Hamosa Manu Hospital (HMH) is one of the government hospitals in Ghana where healthcare is free due to the National Health Insurance Scheme, as taxpayers fund healthcare by contributing an indirect tax of 2.5% on consumption.

All purchase requisition forms for medical supplies are forwarded to a centralized procurement department. Upon receipt, the procurement team will research the lowest price from suppliers and raise a purchase order. This is then passed to the Procurement Manager, who authorizes all orders. The small procurement team receives in excess of 300 forms a day.

Due to the government’s announcement of free Covid-19 testing in public hospitals, the hospital has invested heavily in new equipment, which, although very expensive, has meant that more testing could be performed and patient recovery rates would be faster. Currently, there is a shortage of appropriately trained medical staff. As a result, a capital expenditure committee has been established, made up of senior managers, and they plan and authorize any significant capital expenditure items.

Required:
Explain audit risks that auditors of HMH should consider during evidence gathering.