Wong: Drug tender will be called

NEW tenders will be called for the supply of medicine and pharmaceuticals when the one-year contract awarded to Borneo Pacific Pharmaceutical Ltd expires, says Health and HIV/Aids Minister Jelta Wong.
The contract to supply medicines by Borneo Pacific Pharmaceutical Ltd is awaiting the signature of Governor-General, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae.
Wong said the signing would be followed by an announcement on the procurement to provide health centres and aid post kits.
“Borneo had been the subject of an independent investigation by Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee chaired by Sir John Pundari, and subsequently cleared of all claims made against them,” he said.
“It is important to note that the earlier contracts that were the subject of investigation were procured under the previous governments.”
He said healthcare should never be used as a battleground for politicians because it was a vital service.
“Debate on health issues should focus on the facts and not rumours.
“Online and mainstream media should not be about causing disruptions as we are seeing right now, but on what all parties to any healthcare discussion can contribute so as to improve services.”