KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has strongly urged for a comprehensive explanation following the release of the Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) report concerning the management of the Covid-19 pandemic.
MMA president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz, expressed concerns about the report, asserting that it has raised more questions than it has answered, particularly regarding the procurement of ventilators for the government.
“How 104 out of 136 delivered ventilators were unusable without any party being held accountable demands a thorough explanation for the Malaysian public,” Dr Azizan emphasised in a statement.
She highlighted that this issue not only involves a significant amount of public funds but could also have had a substantial impact on the management of severe Covid-19 cases in the country.
Dr Azizan stressed the importance of not sweeping this issue under the rug and emphasised the need for complete accountability.
She also pointed out that this situation underscores the urgent requirement for robust emergency procurement policies to prevent such incidents from recurring.
The PAC report revealed that Pharmaniaga Logistics Sdn Bhd, despite lacking experience and expertise in procuring medical equipment such as ventilators, was instructed to make an upfront payment for the ventilators due to its “existing relationship with the Health Ministry”.
The report, released recently, disclosed that the absence of a written agreement between the Health Ministry (MoH) and Pharmaniaga Logistics has resulted in a lack of accountability concerning the non-functioning 104 ventilator units.
Dr Azizan added that if Pharmaniaga Logistics did not possess the necessary experience in medical equipment procurement, transparent and accountable documentation should have been insisted upon, even in the extraordinary circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic.
She stated that documents, including signed documents, could have still been shared via WhatsApp.
The PAC report also revealed discrepancies in the information provided by the health ministry and Pharmaniaga Logistics regarding the warranties for the 136 ventilator units.
The PAC’s findings indicate that due to constraints during the Movement Control Order and the urgency of the situation, discussions, assessments, and decisions related to the ventilator acquisition had to be conducted through WhatsApp.
The report explained that the world was grappling with a shortage of medical equipment supplies at that time, and emergency procurement was necessary to address the Covid-19 pandemic effectively.
In addition to the ventilator issues, the PAC disclosed that a significant number of Covid-19 vaccine doses had also expired as of June 1, raising concerns.
This was attributed to an excess of vaccines due to decreased demand for vaccination, delays in vaccine supply, and the receipt of vaccine donations from foreign countries.
The PAC has also recommended that MoH immediately reviews the warranty status for all 136 ventilator equipment units and takes appropriate action against those responsible.
Additionally, they suggested ensuring the utilisation of excess personal protective equipment before its expiry date and taking measures to reduce dependence on foreign countries for medical equipment and pharmaceuticals. – The Vibes, October 31, 2023
