Public health advocate urges financial audit for San Francisco's Department of Public Health

The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding the Department of Public Health's financial management. A key discussion point was the need for a comprehensive financial audit of the department, particularly in light of its substantial use of general fund resources.

A speaker emphasized that the last financial audit of the General Hospital occurred in February 2003, suggesting that a new audit is necessary to ensure accountability and efficiency. Despite efforts over the past four years to garner support from supervisors for this audit, no progress has been made. The speaker argued that if the department is indeed well-managed, it should welcome the opportunity to demonstrate this through an audit.

The discussion also touched on the department's overtime expenditures, which have reportedly decreased over the last two years. However, the speaker pointed out that there remains significant potential for further improvements in financial management. Given the city's ongoing budgetary challenges and recent issues at Laguna Honda Hospital, the speaker advocated for the audit as a prudent step to safeguard public funds, particularly those benefiting the city's most vulnerable populations.

The meeting concluded with no additional public comments, closing the discussion on this pressing financial oversight issue. The call for a financial audit reflects broader concerns about fiscal responsibility within the Department of Public Health and its impact on community services in San Francisco.