Call to probe dubious Health Dept tenders

The call for an investigation into the Health Department’s pharmaceutical board handling of medical drugs has heightened this week.
A medical insider, on condition of anonymity, alleged that fraudulent tenders for medical drugs and mosquito nets were being targeted as a major part of the alleged corruption in the Health Department.
“Millions of kina are being wasted and stolen through corruption and slackness at the high levels of the Health Department,” the insider said.
“These corrupt practices involved the Health Department’s hierarchy.
The source alleged that tender for mosquito net supplies had been contracted to two companies for the same job which cost the State millions of kina.
“One company was awarded the contract by the Central Supply and Tenders Board through the normal tender process under the Financial Management Act.
“However, the Health Department contracted another company to provide the same job,” the insider said.
National Doctors Association president, Dr Kauve Pomat, also called for investigation into the department’s handling of buying and distribution of medical drugs.
Dr Pomat said a K7 million contract awarded to a pharmaceutical company was dubious as no drugs were delivered.
Former health minister Sir Peter Barter, had written to the Police commissioner and the Chief Ombudsman investigate the Health Department into those gray areas.
Sir Peter said it would be wrong for him to comment at this time, however, he said “we are all aware there had been and probably still is some dishonesty within the pharmaceutical in the acquisition and distribution of drugs”.
He said the new minister and secretary were equally concerned and had a longer term to eradicate some fairly obvious corruption within the system but the process of law takes too long.
Health Minister Sasa Zibe, in a meeting held recently between the department and drug suppliers, was equally concerned that basic drugs were not reaching the aid posts and health centres.
He urged the Health Department’s officers to develop a new work culture and take that as the New Year resolution.