All revelations made by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) regarding the poor distribution of medical supplies will be subjected for Police Investigations.
This was announced by Health Minister Jelta Wong in parliament when asked of his plans in addressing these issues.
While commending the work of the PAC in exposing the flaws within the health management system of the country, East Sepik Governor Allan Bird asked of the next step to be taken on those implicated.
“Is the Health Minister prepared to deal with all of these companies that are involved in the supply contracts, mostly foreign companies?” Governor Bird asked.
The Health Minister gave a straight forward response saying all names of those failed to meet the requirements of the health system have been put to police for investigations.
“It is up to any individual to write to the fraud directorate to investigate. So I have done that. I have written to the acting police commissioner and I have given the names that have been mentioned and it is up to the commissioner to get the fraud squad to start investigations on these officers,” Minister Wong said.
Governor Bird also asked if State Owned Entities like Post PNG can be engaged in delivering medical supplies, given the PAC exposed poor procurement process giving contracts to companies with no logistics experience to deliver medical supplies.
Minister Wong replied saying it is in consideration to use these SOEs including the Papua New Guinea Defense Force which has proven effective in delivering supplies and relief kits during disasters.
“At this point in time, these contracts have been brought back to my office and we will be going through them with our lawyers to find out if these contracts were breached and we can terminate the contracts and start again. The idea of using Post PNG and the Defense Force is in the works, we’re working on the logistical terms at the moment,” Minister Wong said.
By Stanley Ove Jnr, EMTV News, Port Moresby
