Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen has stated he did not attempt to seek illicit financial benefits for any party in the procurement of ventilators to the Maldives.
The health minister made the statement while speaking at the Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts with regards to the findings of the COVID-19 compliance audit conducted on the health ministry. The audit revealed several significant irregularities in the procurement of ventilators required for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in the Maldives.
Speaking at the committee, Health Minister Ameen said he has been focused on alleviating the situation of the Maldives amid a global pandemic, adding all decisions are taken upon consultation with the relevant authorities. In this regard, the minister noted the decision to contract an overseas company to supply ventilators was taken after an official discussion with the World Health Organisation (WHO), aiming to procure the ventilators as fast as possible. He said he had no intention of seeking illicit benefits for anybody during the procurement process.
The COVID-19 compliance audit of the health ministry revealed the Dubai-based Executors General Trading was paid 90% of the quoted price in advance to procure 75 ventilators in April, whilst no ventilators have been procured despite four months having passed since signing the contract. The audit report also revealed the company was selected 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 Executors General Trading was higher compared to other parties which submitted quotes. It also noted there was no official communication with WHO on procuring the ventilators through Executor General Trading, despite the ministry claiming the company was recommended by WHO.
However, speaking at the parliament committee, the health minister said all communications with WHO regarding the procurement of ventilators were official, including the conversations held with WHO Representative to the Maldives Dr. Arvind Mathur. The minister said discussions were initially held on supplying ventilators directly through WHO, adding a contact was later provided by WHO as the organisation could not supply ventilators directly at the time.
Health Minister Ameen acknowledged the ventilators have not been procured in time as stated in the contract, attributing to the logistical difficulties experienced worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, he explained the local companies which were contracted to procure ventilators have also not been able to do so within the specified duration due to similar logistical difficulties. Therefore, he noted the failure to procure ventilators in time has nothing to do with providing financial benefits for a certain individual or group of people.
Citing the latest communications between the ministry and Executors General Trading, the health minister said there is no reason to believe the ventilators will not be procured. He noted the ministry has engaged with the company enough to be confident of procuring the ventilators, despite the delays.
On August 17, Health Minister Ameen announced his decision to step aside from his duties as health minister until the end of the investigation on the COVID-19 audit report or until a specific instruction is given by the president. Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam is temporarily in charge of the health ministry during Ameen’s absence.