PAC team travelling to Morobe for health inquiry

THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is visiting hospitals, clinics and aid posts in Morobe this week as part of its inquiry into the National Department of Health (NDoH)’s procurement, supply and distribution of medicines and medical kits nationwide.
PAC chairman Sir John Pundari told The National that committee members would be flying to Lae in Morobe tomorrow to conduct site visits and inspections as part of its ongoing inquiry that had been adjourned to early next year after eight days of hearing since Oct 29.
“Due to time constraints and the fast approaching Christmas holiday, the visits and inspections will be carried out only in Lae. Our mission will be completed on Friday, and we will resume the inquiry early next year,” he said.
The inquiry began shortly after the Borneo Pacific Pharmaceuticals Ltd (BPPL) was awarded two government contracts to supply medical kits and antibiotics valued at more than K100 million sparked a furor, led by the National Doctor’s Association.
On Aug 22, the PAC announced that it would hold an inquiry into the awarding of the contracts.
Sir John said at that time that the inquiry was basically called in response to the public outcry and those in the medical industry and profession.