Alleged Missteps in VG70 Ventilator Order: Dr. Joomaye to be Questioned Next

The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) is intensifying its investigation into the disturbing mismanagement associated with the procurement of defective ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. High-level officials from the Ministry of Health are being summoned to testify as the inquiry progresses.

Dr Vijaysing Dinassing, Regional Health Director, has offered a critical statement, emphasising that a comprehensive assessment of the specifications for these life-saving devices should have been prioritised.

He indicated that such an evaluation was vital to safeguard the lives of individuals suffering from severe respiratory issues linked to coronavirus.

Dr Dinassing reported that the Senior Chief Executive of the Ministry of Health had sought his expert opinion regarding an offer from Pack and Blister.

Following this consultation, he approved the purchase of VG70 ventilators.

However, he stressed that his involvement ceased there, and it was the duty of another department to ensure the ventilators were operational.

Further shedding light on the matter, Dr Sudhir Subdhan, a former Technical Officer at the Ministry of Health, appeared before the FCC on 24th March.

He reaffirmed the pressing need for ventilators during the pandemic and expressed his trust in the evaluations conducted by his colleagues within the Ministry.

However, Dr Subdhan clarified that he was not part of the communications with Pack and Blister; that responsibility lay with the High Powered Committee, which was tasked with confirming whether the devices complied with necessary standards before any orders were placed.

Dr Subdhan was called as a witness in this serious case, where accountability is under scrutiny.

In the previous week, additional officials from the ministry were interrogated, and in the coming days, Dr Zouberr Joomaye, Senior Adviser at the Prime Minister’s Office, along with ‘Missie Konntou’ from the Ministry of Health, are set to provide their testimonies.

The FCC now holds key email exchanges sent by Dr Joomaye to various stakeholders concerning the ventilators, raising further questions about the procurement process and the implications for public health during one of the most critical periods in recent history.

Source: Le Mauricien