Questions over delivery of drugs, medical kits

 THE Government has again been questioned on the processes used to award an Asian pharmaceutical company the contract to deliver medical kits and drugs in the country. 

Northern Governor Garry Juffa raised the issue during question time in Parliament yesterday. 

Juffa questioned Health and HIV/AIDS Minister Michael Malabag, pictured, if the company was ISO (International Standard Organisation) compliant and if he was aware that the same company was responsible for the procurement and distribution of anti-venom for snake species not found in PNG.

He questioned if the Health Ministry would meet the shortfall in the funding made available by the Australian government.

Juffa asked the minister to assure the country that the company would be distributing quality and genuine drugs.

Malabag said the procurement and distribution of medical kits and drugs was a Government-funded project costing K71 million for a three-year period. 

“It replaces what the Australian government has done through AusAID. 

“It’s our responsibility to get the medical kits and drugs to procure them and distribute them,” Malabag said.

On the tender process, Malabag said it was advertised here and overseas for about six weeks.

Malabag told Juffa that he was not aware and would seek clarification if the same company was involved in the procurement and distribution of anti-venom on snake species not found in PNG.