The Parliament of the Maldives has decided to review the investigation conducted by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on the procurement of ventilators by the Ministry of Health.
During the parliament sitting on August 18, Speaker Mohamed Nasheed announced the ACC investigation on the procurement of ventilators has been forwarded to the Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions for review. The speaker said the ACC investigation was put forward for review as it contradicts the findings of the COVID-19 compliance audit conducted on the health ministry by the Auditor General’s Office. He expressed belief ACC had not conducted a thorough investigation on the procurement process, noting the report by ACC does not highlight the irregularities identified in the compliance audit.
ACC carried out an investigation on the procedure followed by the government in contracting two local companies and one overseas company with the procurement of 149 ventilators in preparation for a surge in COVID-19 cases. In the investigation report released on May 21, ACC stated the procurement of ventilators was contracted by the government in accordance to the Public Finance Regulations.
However, the compliance audit revealed major irregularities in awarding contracts to supply ventilators. The audit report revealed Dubai-based Executor General Trading was awarded the contract without assessing its financial and technical capabilities, in addition to not obtaining advance payment and performance guarantees.
The report further highlighted the price quoted by Executor General Trading was higher compared to other parties which submitted quotes. It also noted the contracts awarded to local parties to procure ventilators were not awarded via a competitive and fair bidding that befits to the circumstances.
In April, Ministry of Health revealed Executor General Trading was contracted to supply 75 ventilators to the Maldives, upon recommendation of World Health Organisation (WHO). The compliance audit revealed the company was paid 90% of the quoted price in April, mandating the company to supply all 75 ventilators within 29 days of the advance payment. However, no ventilators have been supplied by the company in the four months that have passed since the payment.