Anomalous procurement of flu-testing machines probed
11/10/2009 | 11:31 PM
The health department is now looking into alleged anomalies in the procurement of flu-testing machines by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicines (RITM).
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III assured the public there would be no sacred cows in the investigation.
“It is too soon and premature for everyone to allege any anomaly. We have already started the investigation and we assure the public that there will be no sacred cows in this investigation and I will let the ax fall on the guilty person, whoever he might be," Duque said in a
statement.
He contested claims that the DOH was “clueless" about the supposedly questionable transactions, adding they looked into it when Filipino-owned firm Macare complained about it.
Duque said the Department of Health’s Integrity Development Committee (IDC) is handling the investigation.
Covered by the investigation are RITM officials and personnel, including its director Dr. Remigio Olveda, who were involved in the procurement of the said flu-testing machines.
On the other hand, he washed the DOH’s hands off the anomaly, saying the RITM, like all state-owned hospitals, has its own procuring entity.
“Because it has autonomy to transact financially, the RITM and its officials went on with this business deal all by themselves. Now, with the DOH-IDC on board investigating them, I am positive that we will soon know all the details behind this," Duque said.
Those found liable will face sanctions ranging from suspension to dismissal. - GMANews.TV
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III assured the public there would be no sacred cows in the investigation.
“It is too soon and premature for everyone to allege any anomaly. We have already started the investigation and we assure the public that there will be no sacred cows in this investigation and I will let the ax fall on the guilty person, whoever he might be," Duque said in a
statement.
He contested claims that the DOH was “clueless" about the supposedly questionable transactions, adding they looked into it when Filipino-owned firm Macare complained about it.
Duque said the Department of Health’s Integrity Development Committee (IDC) is handling the investigation.
Covered by the investigation are RITM officials and personnel, including its director Dr. Remigio Olveda, who were involved in the procurement of the said flu-testing machines.
On the other hand, he washed the DOH’s hands off the anomaly, saying the RITM, like all state-owned hospitals, has its own procuring entity.
“Because it has autonomy to transact financially, the RITM and its officials went on with this business deal all by themselves. Now, with the DOH-IDC on board investigating them, I am positive that we will soon know all the details behind this," Duque said.
Those found liable will face sanctions ranging from suspension to dismissal. - GMANews.TV
