Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has stated the procurement of ventilators was contracted by the government in accordance to the Public Finance Regulations.
ACC carried out an investigation on the procedure followed by the government in contracting three companies with the procurement of 149 ventilators in preparation for a surge in COVID-19 cases. The contracts were awarded to local medical suppliers Nard Private Limited and Medtech Maldives Private Limited, as well Executors General Trading of Dubai, UAE.
The investigation report of ACC states Ministry of Health had requested Ministry of Finance for an exemption on submitting some documents mandated under the Public Finance Regulations before undertaking expenses, due to the urgent need to bring in the required medical equipment in time for a surge in COVID-19 cases. As such, the report states the finance ministry provided a 1-month period for the health ministry where the requirement to submit certain documents to the Tender Board was removed.
In regards to the foreign company which was contracted to supply ventilators, ACC stated Executors General Trading is a registered establishment which holds a commercial license in Dubai, UAE. The report states Executors General Trading has been a member of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce since 1997.
The report also states the health ministry contacted the company upon instructions from World Health Organisation (WHO) and sought a quotation to supply 75 ventilators. The report states the company was awarded the contract on April 2, after which 15% of the contracted price and the advanced payments were transferred to an account registered under the company at Dubai Islamic Bank.
In the report, ACC highlighted certain controls have been established in the state financial system to ensure accountability. The commission noted while options have been provided for convenience during procurement of items during certain situations, the options must be utilised in such a way that fulfills the main objective of procuring the items and maximises the benefit to the state and the people of the Maldives.
While the government has contracted 3 companies to procure 149 ventilators, only 32 ventilators have so far been procured to the Maldives. The delay in procuring the ventilators has been attributed to manufacturing delays and transport difficulties caused by suspension of international flights amid the COVID-19 pandemic.