Why give K10.2mil to a private company?

HOW can Prime Minister James Marape inject K10.2 million to a private company Niguini Biomed Ltd when we already have institutions such as the PNG Institute of Medical Research?
Is this part of Marape’s famous slogan “to make PNG the richest black Christian nation’?
The K10.2 million should have been given to PNG Institute of Medical Research to boost scientific research.
It should have been used to encourage medical professionals at the University of PNG to lead medical students in research and not undermine the capabilities of established institutions such as the PNGIMR.
In developed countries during the upsurge in the pandemic, they were channelling millions of dollars to established universities for research but our prime minister has not done that.
Public funds should be dispersed in areas that will benefit the majority.
This country is receiving medical kits for Covid-19 from other countries.
How will K10.2 million curtail the contagious virus and others in the future?
The Niugini Biomed Ltd team have since said they formed and registered the company to protect their intellectual property right as they pursue their research into Covid-19.
They said there is nothing secret about their work as they have followed all the processes.
No one is questioning the processes and rights of the company.
All we are saying is that the deal is fishy and appears to be a misappropriation of public funds.

Jeffsatu, Lypin Lokait
POM