Withdraw K10mil deal with Nuigini Biomed

The recent approval of K10.2 million to Niugini Biomed Ltd should be revoked because proper processes were not followed.
How can that large sum of tax payers’ money be approved to an unknown and newly registered company that does not have their own research facilities nor any proven track record?
Furthermore, the revelation by Minister of Health and HIV/AIDS Sir Puka Temu that he was not consulted clearly confirms that the approval of the money was improper and should be withheld by the Government.
It does not make sense to approve such large payment of money in a controversial circumstances when people are suffering from inadequate health services.
On a daily basis, we are informed through the mainstream and social media about the plight of the people who cannot be treated at their aid posts or health centres because there were no medicines or health worker to attend them.
Amongst the many needs for better health services, our cancer patients, bulk of which are women, have been waiting desperately for treatment, equipment and facilities to be made available.
A portion of such money should be channelled to speed up the process of establishing our cancer treatment centres at Angau Memorial Hospital and Port Moresby General Hospital.
While there is a need for scientific research for possible cures of various diseases that are affecting us, the intention by Niugini Biomed Ltd to develop a vaccine for Covid-19 is not convincing and should be disregarded.
According to the World Health Organisation, more than 150 Covid-19 vaccines are presently being developed, with around 44 candidates in clinical trials and 11 undergoing late-stage testing.
The latest vaccine developed by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech is reported to be 90 per cent effective in preventing the Covid-19.
With that in mind, the K10.2 million should be withdrawn and be used for other health service that a in dire needs of funds.

Isako Haro,
South side