Zaliha briefed by officers involved in purchase of 93 faulty ventilators

Officials involved in the illegal purchase of 93 ventilators, as revealed in the Auditor General’s report, have given their explanations, said Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

Zaliha said that the matter has already been reported which cost the government RM13.07 million. I have been told about this. We have noticed this, as well as other things done during the emergency (Covid-19).

“We will see where we can improve,” he told reporters, as reported by Bernama, after the launch of the Wellness Hub at Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Bahru. Three days ago, the Auditor-General’s 2021 Series 2 report revealed that only 28 of the 136 ventilators purchased by Pharmaniaga Logistics for the Department of Health from 2020 to 2022 can be used.

The government could not recover the RM13 million spent on the wrong equipment because there was no contract signed with Pharmaniaga as it was done under the ’emergency procurement process’. The revelation led to a call from Bandar Kuching assemblyman Dr Kelvin Yii for the government to take action against illegal buyers of air conditioners.

He said the negligence of those involved in the business is not only a waste of public money, but also undermines the quality of health care. White paper so you don’t find the fault of the previous government

Separately, Zaliha said that the white paper on the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines is not to criticize the previous government, but to promote the system and future agreements.

He said this when asked about the new status of the white paper and when it will be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat. “We understand that it was brought in by accident, but we can investigate some things,” he said.

Zaliha said that the white paper is still being finalized and it will first be brought to the Ministers before being tabled in Parliament. On February 8, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reported that the Ministry of Health will present a white paper for the purchase of vaccines and other related costs, which will be “impossible” if the minister concerned signs it. not authorized. of the Attorney General.