Today was day 4 of the KHMH corruption inquiry. This morning three witnesses took the stand starting with Sharon Sanchez Anderson, the Chief Pharmacist with the Ministry of Health. Her testimony was key because as we’ve reported, the external audit presented last week showed that in some instances – CEO in the Ministry of Health Peter Allen overruled the recommendation of the tender committee and instead chose a cheaper supplier. On Monday Dr. Allen told the commission that the changes made were later approved and signed off by the tendering committee.
Chief Pharmacist Anderson sits on that committee and she says that indeed the committee signed off on the contracts in the 2008-2009 period. But she says that in the 2009–2010 period, she learnt of the changes after the contracts were signed.
Sharon Sanchez Anderson, Chief Pharmacist – MOH
“In the 09-10 tender process the process remained virtually the same in terms of the bids, the submissions, the creation of the documents but the results, the recommendations that were sent to the CEO, any changes that was made the committee was not consulted on that issue.”
Orvin Nicholas,
“You mentioned that the committee did not see the final document for 2009 to 2010. But you being in the Ministry, have you seen that final document?”
Sharon Sanchez Anderson,
“That final document was sent to us via email on April 2nd. Contracts were signed on April 1st.”
Orvin Nicholas,
“So it is after the fact you all saw that?”
Sharon Sanchez Anderson,
“I know I didn’t see it and when I checked the other committee members said the same.”
Orvin Nicholas,
“And how does that final document compare with what you all recommended?”
Sharon Sanchez Anderson,
“There were some changes in relation to what was tabled by the committee.”
Orvin Nicholas,
“So it is your belief that that matter should have come back to the committee before the final decision was tabled?”
Sharon Sanchez Anderson,
“Yes because the committee deliberated and that was the decision and if a change is made it is only fitting that change be conveyed.”
Lisa Green who is the Manager of the Central Medical Stores and Dr. George Gough – Chairman of the Tendering Committee also gave testimony this morning. The hearing resumes tomorrow which is when the KHMH’s Supply Manager Delroy Herrera will testify. He will be followed by Freddy Mansoon – the Chief Radiologist at the KHMH. Although he is employed at the KHMH, he reportedly also does business with the hospital through a company he co-owns with attorney Arthur Saldivar.
