The Coordinator for the High Commission for the Prevention of Coronavirus, Presidency Minister Gustavo Montalvo, has insisted that criticism of recent contracting of medical supplies and equipment by the National Health Service (SNS) is “unfounded.” The Public Health Minister, Dr. Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas, has said that those criticizing the contracts are “irresponsible.”
While defending the contracting, Montalvo announced RD$2.72 billion in medical supplies and equipment under the emergency law is being revoked. This includes the RD$1.5 billion medical supplies contract awarded to Tools Resources Enterprises Toreen SRL that caused a general outrage.
Montalvo and Sánchez Cárdenas have argued the intense international competition for the same supplies explains the overpricing.
The Procurement Agency (Compras y Contrataciones) says the emergency contracting was correct.
Meanwhile, the nation loses precious time in the global rush to acquire vital medical supplies.
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8 April 2020