New GPC drug saga…Drug procurement questions for Parliament- AFC & APNU

Minister Bheri Ramsaran dodging questions- AFC

New GPC is unable to deliver quantity and quality medications- APNU

The truth surrounding the procurement of medical supplies by Government this year would soon be revealed as the Alliance for Change, (AFC) plans to pose direct questions to Health Minister, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran in the National Assembly. This was disclosed by AFC leader Khemraj Ramjattan, whose party had observed that advertisements to bid or tender for medical supplies had not been publicized in the daily newspapers.

Dr. Ranjisinghi Ramroop

However, medical supplies were reportedly delivered to State health facilities across the country by the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (New GPC). New GPC, which is controlled by Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, has been at the centre of criticism as Government’s choice for the distribution of medical supplies to state owned health institutions over the past years. The company has been reportedly sole sourcing billions of dollars in medical drugs. In light of Dr. Ramsaran directing queries aimed at ascertaining the facts surrounding AFC’s allegations to his Permanent Secretary, Ramjattan said that the Minister is being evasive. According to Ramjattan, by dodging the question it shows how irresponsible Dr. Ramsaran is, since as the political head of the Health Ministry, he is accountable for such important matters that deal with taxpayers’ money. He said that recently Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee when questioned about an alleged fraud in his Ministry involving funds from the Inter-American Development Bank was also evasive. He stressed that Government should be following procurement procedures of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, which caters for a bidding process. There should be a system in place that allows a deserving company to be the winner of the tender. Ramjattan said that the AFC has been labeled criminals because of their stance on the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism legislation but stressed that Government has been behaving as criminals for the breaching the Procurement Act. He said that the Public Procurement Commission should be established to prevent such awarding of contracts. The AFC is not alone in its calls for the Minister to give answers in Parliament on the transparency of the acquisition of medications. A Partnership for National Unity, APNU Shadow Health Minster, Dr. George Norton, says answers to burning questions must be given, in regards to the procurement of medical supplies, citing the corruption and wastage, identified in this division of the health department.

AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan

Commenting on the issue, Dr Norton said that contrary to Government’s belief, the New GPC does not have the capacity to supply the quality and quantity of medications countrywide. “We are still in the situation where health centres are without their quota of basic drugs. We are encountering piles of expired drugs during our examinations…Patients are not getting the prescribed drugs at the public health facilities they have to purchase them from private pharmaceutical agencies,” he said. According to Dr. Norton, other local companies should be given the opportunity to bid for the supply of drugs to public health facilities. That would enable Government to acquire medical supplies at competitive prices. With the savings earned much needed equipment could be procured for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.