Contract Cancellations and Investigations Related to Bloated Prices for Ventilators and Pandemic Medical Supplies; Calls for Transparency

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Moderator comment: As a math major, numbers intrigue me. The overpriced face masks were a unit cost of $2.57, whereas the regular market price unit cost is $0.65, or approximately four times higher for the "expedited" face masks.

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Sanction for  official who ordered overpriced face masks

Posted 24/04/2020

A 35-year veteran in the Comptroller General’s legislative office has been sanctioned for nearly paying through the nose for 7,000   disposable face masks for the National  Assembly.

She has been suspended for three days and the 7,000 masks she intended to acquire for a unit price of $2.50. will not be paid for until the “unfair” price is adjusted.

"The official, , was surprised in her good faith when making the decision under the pressure of the urgency necessary for the safety of deputies and administrative personnel,"  said the Comptroller's office on Thursday, April 24.

"Administrative corrections" were ordered so that this does not happen again.

In a statement, the Comptroller's Office says it expects the sanction to be "an example for the rest of the supervisors" and adds that they must remain firm in safeguarding the state's resources and that they try "not to succumb to pressure from any official or State organ.”.

The purchase, which was made by direct purchase had a total cost of $18,000  when adding taxes.

This type of mask that the Assembly acquired is the most common and commercialized and sold in boxes of 50. Medical and pharmaceutical companies Medimex, SA, are selling the masks for $32.50 per box.

The retail cost of 7,000 units would be $ 4550, plus the ITBS, a difference of $13,000 without tax reports  La Prensa.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/business/sanction-for-official-who-ordered-overpriced-face-masks

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Contraloría suspende a funcionaria por compra de mascarillas en la Asamblea Nacional

La entidad fiscalizadora ordenó no realizar el pago de la compra hasta tanto se corrija el precio. La Asamblea compró 7,000 mascarillas a un precio unitario de $2.50

Por José Arcia
Actualizado 24/04/2020 17:19

Los diputados usan mascarillas durante sus labores en la Asamblea Nacional. Cortesía

La Contraloría General de la República sancionó con tres días de suspensión de labores a la fiscalizadora de la entidad en la Asamblea Nacional por la compra de 7,000 mascarillas para el Órgano Legislativo.

Además, la institución no refrendará el pago “hasta tanto se ajuste el precio” de la compra. La Asamblea Nacional adquirió las mascarillas a un precio unitario de $2.50, lo que representa un costo total de $18,000, incluyendo el impuesto de ITBM.

La medida de la Contraloría surge, luego de las denuncias en los medios de comunicación por el sobreprecio de las mascarillas que triplicaban el costo de mercado.

En un comunicado, la Contraloría explicó que la funcionaria tenía 35 años de labor dentro de la entidad y que fue “sorprendida en su buena fe al tomar la decisión ante la presión de la urgencia necesaria para la seguridad de los diputados y personal administrativos de la Asamblea Nacional”.

La Contraloría espera que la sanción a los dos funcionarios sirva de ejemplo para el resto de los fiscalizadores para “mantenerse firme en la salvaguarda de los recursos y bienes de la Nación y no sucumbir ante lo rutinario, ni presiones de ningún funcionario u órgano del Estado”.

La entidad indicó que se ordenó realizar correctivos para esto no se repita.

 

Moderator comment: Below is an unedited automated translation of the above news article.

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Comptroller suspends official for purchase of masks in the National Assembly

The supervisory entity ordered not to pay the purchase until the price is corrected. The Assembly purchased 7,000 masks at a unit price of $ 2.50

By José Arcia
Updated 04/24/2020 17:19

<<5e9c98e56cd33.jpeg>>
The deputies wear masks during their work in the National Assembly. Courtesy

The Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic sanctioned the entity's inspector in the National Assembly with a three-day suspension of work for the purchase of 7,000 masks for the Legislative Branch.

In addition, the institution will not endorse the payment "until the price is adjusted" of the purchase. The National Assembly purchased the masks at a unit price of $ 2.50, representing a total cost of $ 18,000, including the ITBM tax.

The measure of the Comptroller's Office arises, after the denunciations in the media for the overpricing of the masks that tripled the market cost.

In a statement, the Comptroller explained that the official had 35 years of work within the entity and that she was "surprised in her good faith when making the decision under pressure of the urgency necessary for the safety of the deputies and administrative personnel of the National Assembly".

The Comptroller's Office hopes that the sanction of the two officials will serve as an example for the rest of the inspectors to “stand firm in safeguarding the resources and assets of the Nation and not succumb to routine, or pressure from any official or State organ "

The entity indicated that it was ordered to carry out corrections for this not to be repeated.

 

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/nacional/200424/contraloria-suspende-funcionarios-compra-mascarillas-asamblea

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Empresa debe entregar ventiladores el 13 de mayo

Se trata de una carta de intención firmada por el gobierno a la empresa Muriba Company Inc., por $5.2 millones para la compra de 100 ventiladores

Por Adelita Coriat

Actualizado 25/04/2020 17:17

Palacio de las Garzas.Archivo | La Estrella de Panamá

Aunque aún no exista una orden de compra oficial hasta el momento y solo se trate de una carta de intención, el gobierno está dispuesto a desembolsar $5.2 millones a la empresa Muriba Company Inc, para que en 10 días hábiles ponga en suelo panameño 100 ventiladores para pacientes de cuidados intensivos positivos por Covid-19.

El viceministerio de la Presidencia, Juan Carlos Muñoz, cotizó en forma directa los aparatos en al menos tres empresas, pero según una fuente de la entidad, aunque es verdad que ofrecían un precio más barato todos los consultados solicitaban hasta 90 días para la entrega en puertos distintos, un tiempo inútil para las urgentes necesidades de salud.

Se había pensado en otras órdenes de compra que entregarían los ventiladores en junio, pero los funcionarios de gobierno consideraron que para entonces sería muy tarde ante las necesidades que plantea la crisis que definen como un tema de vida o muerte. En épocas de paz, un ventilador con las características programadas, HP-300 marca Allied, podría oscilar entre $25 a $30 mil, tal como lo admitió el viceminsitro de la Presidencia en conferencia de prensa reciente. Sin embargo, por la urgencia con la que el gobierno requiere los equipos, el precio se eleva, responde a la regla de oferta y demanda.

"Hoy me entero que lo más seguro es que la empresa no pueda cumplir (con el tiempo propuesto) porque Estados Unidos no está dejando salir esos aparatos", indicó una fuente oficial.

"El problema no es la empresa ni la compra, son los ventiladores, es el equipo más preciado que existe en el mundo en este momento, todos los países están atrás de ellos. Todos los proveedores solicitaban un adelanto y esperaban entregar los ventiladores en tres o cuatro meses, cuando tal vez ya no serán necesarios", añadió la fuente oficial.

La compra fue manejada por Muñoz quien exigió a la empresa Muriba Company Inc., entregar antes del 13 de mayo los equipos según había solicitado la junta técnica, la carta de intención tiene fecha del 23 de abril,  según conoció este medio.

Muriba Company Inc., fue registrada en el Registro Público en 2005, y la última actualización de la junta directiva se realizó en julio de 2019, mediante la cual se nombró a Julio César Mendoza como director presidente, a Amor Iveth Ibáñez como secretaria, Fernando Iván Murillo como tesorero, Irma Lorena Murillo aparece como suscriptora, ésta última mantiene domicilio, según Registro Público, en la Torre Global Bank piso 12.

La sociedad anónima está facultada para hacer todo tipo de importaciones y exportaciones, así como tareas relacionadas al ramo de contrataciones y servicios de compra, alquiler y venta, facilidades crediticias, contratos etc.

Por otra parte, uno de los directivos de la empresa, Fernando Murillo es titular de la empresa constructora Fernando Murillo y Asociados que en agosto pasado, la Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) inhabilitó por un periodo de tres años para hacer contrataciones con el Estado a raíz de incumplimiento del contrato DNPC-389-2016 para la construcción del edificio para el laboratorio de estructuras de la universidad por un monto de $2,321, 242 para la cual tenía un periodo de 600 días a partir de noviembre de 2016.

La empresa presentó una apelación en tiempo oportuno ante el Tribunal de Contrataciones Públicas por la inhabilitación que hizo la UTP por tres años para participar en actos de selección de contratista ni celebrar contratos con el Estado mientras dure la inhabilitación.

Fernando Murillo y Asociados, el 30 de agosto de 2019, protocolizó un acta de junta directiva en la que otorgó poder a Julio Cesar Mendoza para administrar de manera individual o llevar a cabo en nombre de la sociedad contratos o actos de toda clase y descripción más específicamente pero sin limitarse a las facultades expresadas a saber: para recibir dinero, abrir y cerrar sucursales u oficinas en cualquier país del mundo, reclamar dinero s producto o cualquier otra cosa que se le pueda deber a la sociedad y extender los recibos correspondientes.

Este viernes durante la habitual conferencia de prensa de las fuerzas de tarea conjunta se dio a conocer la información por parte de Presidencia sobre la compra millonaria de los ventiladores, cada uno a un precio de $48,950.

El comunicado oficial no menciona el nombre de la empresa beneficiada, pero justifica el abultado monto aduciendo que los tiempos de paz en los que el aparato tenía un costo de 6 mil a 10 mil dólares quedaron atrás, y que la gran demanda por este tipo de equipos eleve su precio entre $25 mil y $30 mil. No obstante, la urgencia de contar con los aparatos en suelo panameño en 10 días, en vez de esperar 3 o 4 meses eleva a cada ventilador a $49,950.

La reacción de médicos especialistas sobre la supuesta adquisición se evidenció con incomodidad. El infectólogo Xavier Sáez Llorens colgaba en su cuenta "Ando intranquilo con el tema de la compra directa de ventiladores a precios excesivos; eso debe investigarse con rigurosidad; de lo contrario ruido mediático empaña el manejo transparente y técnico que realiza el Ministerio de Salud para combatir el Covid-19 de lo cual soy testigo independiente".

Y su colega Julio Sandoval, coordinador de Covid-19 en el Minsa, le respondió: me uno a tu preocupación. Hemos trabajado de manera incondicional y ad honorem al frente de esta pandemia evitando una tragedia en salud. Como parte del Comité Técnico Asesor del Minsa, solicitamos a la Presidencia una explicación detallada del proceso de compra de ventiladores", posteó el intensivista.

La presión en las redes obligó al Ministerio Público a iniciar una investigación de oficio sobre la millonaria compra y la Contraloría emitió un comunicado en el que indica que aún no ha recibido el contrato para refrendo, pero advierte que "ni siquiera una situación de emergencia nos exime de la responsabilidad de salvaguardar con transparencia el buen uso de los bienes y recursos del Estado", se lee en la nota de la Contraloría.

 

Moderator comment: Below is an unedited automated translation of the above news article.

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Company must deliver fans on May 13

This is a letter of intent signed by the government to Muriba Company Inc., for $ 5.2 million for the purchase of 100 fans

By Adelita Coriat
Updated 04/25/2020 17:17

<<5da4a073af11e.jpeg>>
Palacio de las Garzas.Archivo | The Panama Star

Although there is still no official purchase order as of yet and it is only a letter of intent, the government is willing to disburse $ 5.2 million to Muriba Company Inc, so that in 10 business days it will put 100 fans on Panamanian soil to Covid-19 positive intensive care patients.

The vice-ministry of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Muñoz, directly quoted the devices in at least three companies, but according to a source from the entity, although it is true that they offered a cheaper price, all respondents requested up to 90 days for delivery in different ports, useless time for urgent health needs.

Other purchase orders to be delivered by fans in June had been considered, but government officials believed that by then it would be too late in the face of the needs posed by the crisis that they define as a matter of life and death. In times of peace, a fan with the programmed characteristics, HP-300 Allied brand, could range from $ 25 to $ 30 thousand, as admitted by the Vice Minister of the Presidency at a recent press conference. However, due to the urgency with which the government requires the equipment, the price rises, responding to the supply and demand rule.

"Today I find out that the safest thing is that the company cannot comply (with the proposed time) because the United States is not releasing these devices," said an official source.

"The problem is not the company or the purchase, it is the fans, it is the most precious equipment that exists in the world at the moment, all the countries are behind them. All the suppliers requested an advance and hoped to deliver the fans in three or four months, when perhaps they will no longer be necessary, "added the official source.

The purchase was handled by Muñoz who demanded that Muriba Company Inc. deliver the equipment before May 13, as requested by the technical meeting, the letter of intent is dated April 23, as reported by this media.

Muriba Company Inc., was registered in the Public Registry in 2005, and the last update of the board of directors was made in July 2019, whereby Julio César Mendoza was appointed as president director, Amor Iveth Ibáñez as secretary, Fernando Iván Murillo as treasurer, Irma Lorena Murillo appears as a subscriber, the latter maintains an address, according to the Public Registry, at the Global Bank Tower, 12th floor.

The corporation is empowered to do all kinds of imports and exports, as well as tasks related to the field of contracting and purchase, rental and sale services, credit facilities, contracts, etc.

On the other hand, one of the directors of the company, Fernando Murillo is the owner of the construction company Fernando Murillo y Asociados that last August, the Technological University of Panama (UTP) disabled for a period of three years to make contracts with the State as a result of breach of contract DNPC-389-2016 for the construction of the building for the university's structures laboratory for an amount of $ 2,321, 242 for which it had a period of 600 days from November 2016.

The company filed an appeal in due time before the Public Procurement Court for the disqualification made by the UTP for three years to participate in contractor selection acts or enter into contracts with the State for the duration of the disqualification.

Fernando Murillo y Asociados, on August 30, 2019, protocolized a board of directors act in which he granted power to Julio Cesar Mendoza to individually administer or carry out on behalf of the company contracts or acts of all kinds and more description specifically, but not limited to the powers expressed, namely: to receive money, open and close branches or offices in any country in the world, claim money for products or anything else that may be owed to society and issue the corresponding receipts.

This Friday, during the regular press conference of the Joint Task Forces, information was released by the Presidency about the millionaire purchase of the fans, each at a price of $ 48,950.

The official statement does not mention the name of the company benefited, but justifies the bulky amount, arguing that the times of peace in which the device had a cost of $ 6,000 to $ 10,000 were left behind, and that the great demand for this type of equipment raises its price between $ 25 thousand and $ 30 thousand. However, the urgency of having the devices on Panamanian soil in 10 days, instead of waiting 3 or 4 months, raises each fan to $ 49,950.

The reaction of medical specialists on the alleged acquisition was evident with discomfort. The infectologist Xavier Sáez Llorens hung in his account "I am uneasy about the direct purchase of ventilators at excessive prices; this must be rigorously investigated; otherwise, media noise tarnishes the transparent and technical management carried out by the Ministry of Health to combat the Covid-19 of which I am an independent witness. "

And his colleague Julio Sandoval, coordinator of Covid-19 at Minsa, replied: I join your concern. We have worked unconditionally and ad honorem at the forefront of this pandemic, avoiding a health tragedy. As part of the Minsa Technical Advisory Committee, we asked the Presidency for a detailed explanation of the fan purchase process, "the intensivist posted.

The pressure in the networks forced the Public Ministry to initiate an ex officio investigation into the millionaire purchase and the Comptroller's Office issued a statement indicating that it has not yet received the contract for endorsement, but warns that "not even an emergency situation exempts from the responsibility of transparently safeguarding the proper use of the State's assets and resources, "reads the note from the Comptroller.

 

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/nacional/200425/empresa-debe-entregar-ventiladores-13-mayo

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Gobierno suspende polémica compra de ventiladores

El anuncio se hizo en conferencia de prensa. El viceministro de la Presidencia estableció como causa, que la empresa no podría cumplir con su entrega en la fecha prevista

Por Redacción La Estrella de Panamá

Actualizado 26/04/2020 00:00

Gobierno suspende polémica compra de ventiladores Archivo | La Estrella de Panamá

 

La compra de 100 ventiladores para pacientes de cuidados intensivos positivos con Covid-19 que el gobierno iba a realizar a la empresa Muriba Company Inc, por la que iba a desembolsar $5.2 millones, fue cancelada porque la empresa estableció que le sería imposible cumplir con el plazo de entrega, a 10 días, del preciado equipo.

El viceministerio de la Presidencia, Juan Carlos Muñoz, había realizado una cotización en forma directa de los aparatos en al menos tres empresas, pero según una fuente de la entidad, aunque es verdad que ofrecían un precio más barato, todos los consultados solicitaban hasta 90 días para la entrega en puertos distintos, un tiempo inútil para las urgentes necesidades de salud.

Se había pensado en otras órdenes de compra que entregarían los ventiladores en junio, pero los funcionarios de Gobierno consideraron que para entonces sería muy tarde ante las necesidades que plantea la crisis que definen como un tema de vida o muerte. En épocas de paz, un ventilador con las características programadas, HP-300 marca Allied, podría oscilar entre $25 y $30 mil, tal como lo admitió el viceministro de la Presidencia en conferencia de prensa reciente. Sin embargo, por la urgencia con la que el Gobierno requiere los equipos, el precio se eleva, responde a la regla de oferta y demanda.

“Hoy me entero que lo más seguro es que la empresa no pueda cumplir (con el tiempo propuesto) porque Estados Unidos no está dejando salir esos aparatos”, indicó una fuente oficial.

“El problema no es la empresa ni la compra, son los ventiladores, es el equipo más preciado que existe en el mundo en este momento; todos los países están atrás de ellos. Todos los proveedores solicitaban un adelanto y esperaban entregar los ventiladores en tres o cuatro meses, cuando tal vez ya no serán necesarios”, añadió la fuente oficial.

La compra fue manejada por Muñoz, quien exigió a la empresa Muriba Company Inc. entregar antes del 13 de mayo los equipos, según había solicitado la junta técnica. La carta de intención tiene fecha del 23 de abril, según conoció este medio.

La puesta de estos equipos en suelo panameño en 10 días, en vez de esperar 3 o 4 meses eleva el precio de cada ventilador a $49,950.

La reacción de médicos especialistas sobre la supuesta adquisición se evidenció con incomodidad. El infectólogo Xavier Sáez Llorens colgaba en su cuenta “Ando intranquilo con el tema de la compra directa de ventiladores a precios excesivos; eso debe investigarse con rigurosidad; de lo contrario ruido mediático empaña el manejo transparente y técnico que realiza el Ministerio de Salud para combatir el Covid-19 de lo cual soy testigo independiente”.

Y su colega Julio Sandoval, coordinador de Covid-19 en el Minsa, le respondió: me uno a tu preocupación. Hemos trabajado de manera incondicional y ad honorem al frente de esta pandemia evitando una tragedia en salud. Como parte del Comité Técnico Asesor del Minsa, solicitamos a la Presidencia una explicación detallada del proceso de compra de ventiladores”, posteó el intensivista.

La presión en las redes obligó al Ministerio Público a iniciar una investigación de oficio sobre la millonaria compra y la Contraloría emitió un comunicado en el que indica que aún no ha recibido el contrato para refrendo, pero advierte que “ni siquiera una situación de emergencia nos exime de la responsabilidad de salvaguardar con transparencia el buen uso de los bienes y recursos del Estado”, se lee en la nota de la Contraloría.

Durante la conferencia de prensa diaria por la pandemia, Muñoz explicó que la entrega del equipo no se podría dar en la fecha estipulada, razón por la cual se cancelaba la compra.

Se solicitó a las empresas interesadas a hacer sus propuestas.

 

Moderator comment: Below is an unedited automated translation of the above news article.

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Government suspends controversial purchase of fans

The announcement was made at a press conference. The Vice Minister of the Presidency established as a cause that the company could not fulfill its delivery on the scheduled date

By Drafting The Star of Panama
Updated 04/26/2020 00:00

<<5ea4e4b0184b8.jpeg>>
Government suspends controversial purchase of fans Archive | The Panama Star

The purchase of 100 ventilators for positive intensive care patients with Covid-19 that the government was going to make from the company Muriba Company Inc, for which it was going to disburse $ 5.2 million, was canceled because the company established that it would be impossible for it to comply with the delivery time, 10 days, of the precious equipment.

The Vice Ministry of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Muñoz, had made a direct price of the devices in at least three companies, but according to a source from the entity, although it is true that they offered a cheaper price, all respondents requested up to 90 days for delivery to different ports, useless time for urgent health needs.

Other purchase orders that fans would deliver in June had been considered, but government officials considered that by then it would be too late in the face of the needs posed by the crisis that they define as a matter of life and death. In times of peace, a fan with the programmed characteristics, HP-300 Allied brand, could range between $ 25 and $ 30 thousand, as admitted by the Vice Minister of the Presidency at a recent press conference. However, due to the urgency with which the Government requires the equipment, the price rises, responding to the supply and demand rule.

"Today I find out that the safest thing is that the company cannot comply (with the proposed time) because the United States is not releasing these devices," said an official source.

“The problem is not the company or the purchase, it is the fans, it is the most precious equipment that exists in the world at the moment; all countries are behind them. All providers requested an advance and expected to deliver the fans in three to four months, when perhaps they will no longer be necessary, "added the official source.

The purchase was handled by Muñoz, who required the Muriba Company Inc. to deliver the equipment before May 13, as requested by the technical board. The letter of intent is dated April 23, as this media learned.

Placing these equipment on Panamanian soil in 10 days, instead of waiting 3 or 4 months, raises the price of each fan to $ 49,950.

The reaction of medical specialists on the alleged acquisition was evident with discomfort. The infectologist Xavier Sáez Llorens posted on his account “I am uneasy about the direct purchase of ventilators at excessive prices; that must be rigorously investigated; otherwise media noise tarnishes the transparent and technical handling carried out by the Ministry of Health to combat Covid-19, of which I am an independent witness. ”

And his colleague Julio Sandoval, coordinator of Covid-19 at Minsa, replied: I join your concern. We have worked unconditionally and ad honorem at the forefront of this pandemic, avoiding a health tragedy. As part of the Technical Advisory Committee of the Minsa, we asked the Presidency for a detailed explanation of the fan purchase process, "the intensivist posted.

The pressure in the networks forced the Public Ministry to initiate an ex officio investigation into the millionaire purchase and the Comptroller's Office issued a statement indicating that it has not yet received the contract for endorsement, but warns that “not even an emergency situation exempts from the responsibility of transparently safeguarding the proper use of the State's assets and resources, ”the Comptroller's note reads.

During the daily press conference for the pandemic, Muñoz explained that the delivery of the equipment could not take place on the stipulated date, which is why the purchase was canceled.

Interested companies were asked to make their proposals.

 

https://www.laestrella.com.pa/nacional/200426/gobierno-suspende-polemica-compra-ventiladores

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MP investiga compra de ventiladores, Contraloría revisará pago justo por prima de entrega

El Ministerio Público investiga de oficio compra de ventiladores. Ilustrativa EFE

Nimay González • 25 Abr 2020 - 02:33 PM

El Ministerio Público (MP) de Panamá dio a conocer este sábado que ha dado inicio a una investigación de oficio con relación a la compra de ventiladores a través del Viceministerio de la Presidencia.

Detalla que la investigación se desarrollará por la presunta comisión de delito Contra la Administración Pública, luego de surgieran advertencias en medios de comunicación social sobre una posible afectación al patrimonio del Estado.

"De acuerdo a la información publicada el monto de la compra sería por el monto de B/. 5.2 millones, dentro de los actos de investigación el Ministerio Público solicita información a otras instituciones para conocer los detalles sobre el proceso de contratación, la empresa involucrada y los funcionarios a cargo de dicha compra. La investigación se realiza en base al Título Décimo, Capítulo Primero del Código Penal que regula las diferentes formas de peculado", explicó Ana Vázquez, Fiscal Adjunta Anticorrupción.

Según anunció el Gobierno Nacional, en los próximos diez días llegarán al país cien respiradores portátiles, explicando que debido a la crisis mundial por el nuevo coronavirus los precios han pasado de “6 mil y 10 mil balboas en tiempos de paz, a entre 25 mil a 30 mil balboas”, a lo cual agrega que Panamá pagará más de B/.48 mil por unidad, ya que ha solicitado un tiempo de entrega menor.

Por su parte, la Contraloría General de la República advirtió mediante un comunicado que el proceso de compra será auditado con la asistencia de las máximas autoridades encargadas de hacer cumplir la ley y el orden en el país de origen, incluyendo el costo de producción y de venta de esos ventiladores y los mecanismos de exportación, para garantizar a Panamá que solo se pague un precio justo y razonable.

Agrega que comprende que se intente pagar una prima por entrega inmediata frente a la urgencia que se requiere para garantizar los ventiladores artificiales a pacientes en estado crítico debido al COVID-19, sin embargo, por encima de las circunstancias, esa prima también será debidamente auditada para garantizar que no sea excesiva ni abusiva.

"La Contraloría comprende la urgencia de garantizar los ventiladores artificiales a pacientes en estado crítico, sin embargo, por la misión que compete a la Contraloría General de la República estamos convencidos de que entre, mejor se gestionen los fondos durante esta pandemia, el Órgano Ejecutivo podrá llevar soluciones a más panameños necesitados", enfatiza.

Además, la Autoridad Nacional de Transparencia y Acceso a la Información (Antai) informó que pedirá a la Presidencia de la República un informe explicativo sobre esta compra, los documentos que justifican la adquisición y el estatus en que se encuentra actualmente.

"Se hace esta solicitud para que la ciudadanía tenga la tranquilidad de saber cómo se están manejando los recursos en este estado de emergencia nacional... las acciones gubernamentales deben acompañar en este momento, la tenacidad de los trabajadores del sector salud, que están trabajando arduamente para garantizar la salud de todos los panameños", indicó la directora de Antai, Elsa Fernández, Directora.

Asimismo reiteró el llamado a las autoridades para que sean oportunos en la rendición de cuentas, recordando que el acceso a la información es un derecho fundamental de todos los ciudadanos y debe de garantizarse incluso en estado de emergencia nacional.

"La Ley 33 de 2013, da la facultad de contribuir a que la administración pública se ejecute en un marco de legalidad e integridad, en el que los derechos de los ciudadanos estén protegidos, siendo ellos los beneficiarios legítimos de la administración", indicó Fernández.

 

Moderator comment: Below is an unedited automated translation of the above news article.

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MP investigates fan purchase, CGR will review fair payment for delivery premium

<<39aa07fa-176c-4ced-881a-db9e81529698_16-9-aspect-ratio_default_1003246.jpg>>

The Public Ministry investigates ex officio purchase of fans. Illustrative EFE

Nimay González • Apr 25, 2020 - 02:33 PM

The Public Ministry (MP) of Panama announced this Saturday that it has started an ex officio investigation regarding the purchase of fans through the Vice Ministry of the Presidency.

He details that the investigation will be carried out by the alleged commission of crime against the Public Administration, after warnings arose in the social communication media about a possible affectation to the State's heritage.

"According to the information published, the amount of the purchase would be in the amount of B /. 5.2 million. Within the acts of investigation, the Public Ministry requests information from other institutions to know the details of the contracting process, the company involved and the officials in charge of said purchase. The investigation is carried out based on Title Tenth, Chapter One of the Penal Code that regulates the different forms of embezzlement, "explained Ana Vázquez, Deputy Prosecutor for Anti-Corruption.

As announced by the National Government, in the next ten days one hundred portable respirators will arrive in the country, explaining that due to the world crisis due to the new coronavirus, prices have gone from “6 thousand and 10 thousand balboas in peacetime, to between 25 thousand to 30 thousand balboas ”, to which he adds that Panama will pay more than B / .48 thousand per unit, since it has requested a shorter delivery time.

For its part, the Comptroller General of the Republic warned in a statement that the purchase process will be audited with the assistance of the highest authorities in charge of enforcing law and order in the country of origin, including the cost of production and sale of these fans and export mechanisms, to guarantee Panama that only a fair and reasonable price is paid.

He adds that he understands that they try to pay a premium for immediate delivery in the face of the urgency that is required to guarantee artificial ventilators to critically ill patients due to COVID-19, however, regardless of the circumstances, that premium will also be duly audited. to ensure that it is not excessive or abusive.

"The Comptroller's Office understands the urgency of guaranteeing artificial ventilators to critically ill patients, however, due to the mission of the Comptroller General of the Republic, we are convinced that the better managed funds during this pandemic, the Executive Branch It will be able to bring solutions to more Panamanians in need, "he emphasizes.

In addition, the National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (Antai) reported that it will ask the Presidency of the Republic for an explanatory report on this purchase, the documents that justify the acquisition and the status it is currently in.

"This request is made so that citizens have the peace of mind of knowing how resources are being managed in this state of national emergency ... government actions must accompany, at this time, the tenacity of health sector workers, who are working hard to guarantee the health of all Panamanians, "said Antai's director, Elsa Fernández, Director.

He also reiterated the call to the authorities to be timely in accountability, recalling that access to information is a fundamental right of all citizens and must be guaranteed even in a state of national emergency.

"Law 33 of 2013, gives the power to contribute to the public administration being executed within a framework of legality and integrity, in which the rights of citizens are protected, being they the legitimate beneficiaries of the administration," said Fernández. .

https://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/2020/04/25/ministerio-publico-inicia-investigacion-oficio/2806118.html

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Ministerio Público abre caso por ventiladores; el proveedor retira su oferta

Mientras la Fiscalía Anticorrupción anunció el inicio de una investigación, la Presidencia atribuye el alto costo a la guerra comercial por los equipos. Dos empresas se ofrecen para hacer la compra.

 

Ohigginis Arcia Jaramillo

26 abr 2020 - 12:00 AM

El viceministro Juan Carlos Muñoz firmó la carta compromiso con la sociedad Muriba Company, para comprar 100 ventiladores por $5.2 millones. Anoche ofreció explicaciones.

El Ministerio Público anunció ayer, sábado, la apertura de una investigación por la compra directa de 100 ventiladores AHP-300 a un costo de $48 mil 950, cada uno. En tanto, al final de la jornada, cargada de críticas por la onerosa compra, el viceministro de la Presidencia, Juan Carlos Muñoz, informó que el proveedor, Muriba Company Inc., retiró la oferta por la “demanda mundial”.

La Fiscalía Anticorrupción anunció que la investigación de oficio sería por la presunta comisión del delito contra la administración pública.

Durante la conferencia diaria de las autoridades de Salud, que se retrasó más de media hora “por problemas técnicos”, la ministra de Salud, Rosario Turner, le ofreció en primer lugar la palabra a Muñoz.

El funcionario leyó una serie de titulares de la prensa mundial que reportan la cruenta guerra comercial por los insumos, pero no mostró otras cotizaciones para esta compra. Sí mencionó que una empresa local había ofrecido comprar ventiladores a $18 mil cada uno, pero luego retiró la oferta, ya que la fábrica no le garantizó el producto para estos días.

Invitó a los ciudadanos que tengan la capacidad de comprar los equipos de ventilación a ponerse a disposición del país.

Tras sus palabras, Turner anunció, sin precisar detalles, que dos empresas le ofrecieron vender estos equipos a la Presidencia.

También la Contraloría General de la República había anunciado una auditoría a esta compra.

Bajo la lupa, compra de ventiladores por Presidencia

La población amaneció indignada ayer por la intención del Ministerio de la Presidencia de adquirir 100 ventiladores AHP-300 por $5.2 millones, a una sociedad denominada Muriba Company, Inc.

La razón: el costo de estos equipos.

De hecho, en un comunicado divulgado la noche del pasado viernes, la Presidencia reconoció que en “tiempos de paz”, el precio de un respirador portátil es de $6 mil a $10 mil, pero con la pandemia del Covid-19, ahora cuestan entre $25 mil a $30 mil.

La explicación que vino del Palacio de Las Garzas no debió ser muy satisfactoria, porque la mañana de este sábado de cuarentena hubo críticas por dicha compra hasta de parte del equipo asesor de médicos del Ministerio de Salud (Minsa). Tres de sus miembros más notables se dejaron escuchar.

En su cuenta de Twitter, el pediatra infectólogo Xavier Sáez-Llorens se refirió a la compra de los ventiladores “a precios excesivos”, y pidió una investigación “con rigurosidad”, a fin de no empañar el manejo transparente y técnico que ha dado el Minsa al tema del coronavirus.

El médico intensivista Julio Sandoval solicitó a la Presidencia una explicación “detallada del proceso de compra”, tomando en cuenta que han trabajado de manera incondicional y ad honorem durante esta pandemia.

El infectólogo Javier Nieto excluyó al Minsa de la transacción y señaló que es a la Presidencia a quien corresponde deslindar responsabilidades.

Sobre esta adquisición, la única información que se conocía era una carta compromiso de pago, fechada el 14 de abril, que lleva la firma del viceministro de la Presidencia, Juan Carlos Muñoz, en la que consta la compra a la sociedad Muriba Company, Inc. de 100 ventiladores para uso no invasivo e invasivo AHP-300, al fabricante Allied, por $48 mil 950 cada unidad. En total, dice la carta, la compra asciende a $5.2 millones.

La carta menciona que los aparatos debían ser entregados en 10 días hábiles.

La tarde de ayer, la Fiscalía Anticorrupción inició una investigación de oficio por la presunta comisión del delito contra la administración pública, y el contralor Gerardo Solís anunció que todavía no ha recibido la documentación, pero solo refrendará aquellas compras realizadas a un precio “justo y razonable”.

Solís advirtió que ni siquiera una situación de emergencia, como lo es la pandemia por Covid-19, “nos exime de la responsabilidad de salvaguardar con transparencia el buen uso de los bienes y recursos del Estado”.

Por su parte, la Autoridad Nacional de Transparencia y Acceso a la Información (Antai) comunicó que pedirá un informe explicativo al Ministerio de la Presidencia.

En todas estas instancias tendría que responder el viceministro Muñoz, firmante de la carta compromiso de pago. Anoche, Muñoz ya dio explicaciones y, de paso, comunicó que la proveedora ayer mismo les informó que no podrá despachar los equipos “por la demanda mundial”.

Muñoz, que participó en la conferencia que cada noche conduce el Minsa sobre el coronavirus, hizo un recuento de las gestiones realizadas con varios proveedores, en busca de uno que pudiera garantizar el suministro de los equipos en 10 días.

También contó que a principios de abril negoció la compra con la empresa Promed, de 20 ventiladores a $18 mil cada uno. “Después informaron que los ventiladores de la fábrica fueron vendidos a otros país... Esto es a lo que nosotros nos estamos enfrentando diariamente”, dijo Muñoz, que citó varios ejemplos de otros países. Luego, pidió la ayuda de “cualquier ciudadano” que tenga capacidad de adquirir cada respirador en menos de $50 mil, “y ponerlo aquí en 10 días”. En cuanto terminó, la ministra de Salud, Rosario Turner, le informó que ya le habían contactado dos personas interesadas.

Por lo pronto, se ha optado por adquirir equipos de oxigenación y cánulas para pacientes “que no están graves de atención, y poder compensar la ausencia de ventiladores”, dijo Muñoz.

La empresa

Muriba Company es una sociedad que, según el Registro Público, tiene como representante legal y presidente a Julio César Mendoza Potes; secretario, Amor Iveth Ibáñez Garrido, y tesorero, Fernando Iván Murillo.

El aviso de operación que reposa en el Ministerio de Comercio e Industrias precisa que su fecha de inicio de operación es el 1 de agosto de 2005 y su actividad comercial es la “compra y venta al por menor y al por mayor de equipos y maquinarias de construcción, así como al alquiler y mantenimiento de los mismos”.

En dicho portal no se menciona que la sociedad tiene experiencia en la comercialización de insumos médicos como ventiladores, un equipo del cual depende la vida de muchos pacientes que en estos momento están graves por coronavirus.

Se llamó a las oficinas de Muriba, pero no hubo respuesta. También se le hicieron llamadas y se le dejó mensajes a Mendoza (que no tiene relación con el diputado Julio Mendoza), pero al cierre de la edición no había contestado.

Tanto Mendoza como Murillo e Ibáñez forman parte de la razón social de la sociedad Fernando Iván Murillo & Asociados, S.A. (FIMSA). Mendoza es el apoderado legal, mientras Murillo aparece como presidente e Ibáñez es secretaria.

Según documentos que reposan en Panamá Compra, la Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá optó por resolver administrativamente un contrato con esta sociedad por “incumplimientos frecuentes” en la construcción de un laboratorio, cuyo costo era de $2.3 millones. Además, la inhabilitó por tres años para celebrar contratos con el Estado. Así lo indica una nota de 27 de noviembre de 2019, que lleva la firma del rector Héctor Montemayor.

 

Moderator comment: Below is an unedited automated translation of the above news article, not including the embedded video clip.

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Public Ministry opens case for fans; the supplier withdraws his offer

While the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office announced the start of an investigation, the Presidency attributes the high cost to the trade war for the teams. Two companies offer to make the purchase.

Ohigginis Arcia Jaramillo
Apr 26, 2020 - 12:00 AM

<<Investigation.jpg>>
Vice Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz signed the letter of commitment with the Muriba Company, to buy 100 fans for $ 5.2 million. Last night he offered explanations.

The Public Ministry announced yesterday, Saturday, the opening of an investigation for the direct purchase of 100 AHP-300 fans at a cost of $ 48,950 each. Meanwhile, at the end of the day, laden with criticism for the onerous purchase, the Vice Minister of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Muñoz, reported that the supplier, Muriba Company Inc., withdrew the offer due to “world demand”.

The Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office announced that the ex officio investigation would be for the alleged commission of the crime against the public administration.

During the daily conference of the Health authorities, which was delayed more than half an hour "due to technical problems", the Minister of Health, Rosario Turner, first offered the floor to Muñoz.

The official read a series of headlines from the world press that report the bloody trade war for supplies, but did not show other quotes for this purchase. He did mention that a local company had offered to buy fans for $ 18,000 each, but then withdrew the offer, since the factory did not guarantee the product for these days.

He invited citizens who have the ability to purchase ventilation equipment to make themselves available to the country.

After his words, Turner announced, without specifying details, that two companies offered to sell these equipment to the Presidency.

The Comptroller General of the Republic had also announced an audit of this purchase.

<<video iframe>>

Under the magnifying glass, purchase of fans by the Presidency

The population woke up indignant yesterday by the intention of the Ministry of the Presidency to acquire 100 AHP-300 fans for $ 5.2 million, from a company called Muriba Company, Inc.

The reason: the cost of these equipments.

In fact, in a statement released last Friday night, the Presidency acknowledged that in "times of peace," the price of a portable respirator is $ 6,000 to $ 10,000, but with the Covid-19 pandemic, it now costs between $ 25 thousand to $ 30 thousand.

The explanation that came from the Palacio de Las Garzas should not have been very satisfactory, because on the morning of this quarantine Saturday there were criticisms of the purchase even by the medical advisory team of the Ministry of Health (Minsa). Three of its most notable members were heard.

In his Twitter account, the infectious pediatrician Xavier Sáez-Llorens referred to the purchase of ventilators "at excessive prices", and called for an investigation "with rigor", in order not to tarnish the transparent and technical management that the Minsa to the coronavirus theme.

The intensivist doctor Julio Sandoval asked the Presidency for a "detailed explanation of the purchase process", taking into account that they have worked unconditionally and ad honorem during this pandemic.

The infectologist Javier Nieto excluded Minsa from the transaction and pointed out that it is up to the Presidency to define responsibilities.

About this acquisition, the only information that was known was a payment commitment letter, dated April 14, which bears the signature of the Deputy Minister of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Muñoz, which includes the purchase from the company Muriba Company, Inc . of 100 ventilators for non-invasive and invasive use AHP-300, to the manufacturer Allied, for $ 48 thousand 950 each unit. In total, the letter says, the purchase amounts to $ 5.2 million.

The letter mentions that the devices had to be delivered in 10 business days.

Yesterday afternoon, the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office initiated an investigation ex officio for the alleged commission of the crime against the public administration, and Comptroller Gerardo Solís announced that he has not yet received the documentation, but will only endorse those purchases made at a “fair and reasonable".

Solís warned that not even an emergency situation, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, "exempts us from the responsibility of transparently safeguarding the proper use of state assets and resources."

For its part, the National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (Antai) announced that it will request an explanatory report from the Ministry of the Presidency.

In all these instances, Vice Minister Muñoz, the signatory of the payment commitment letter, would have to respond. Last night, Muñoz already gave explanations and, incidentally, reported that the supplier yesterday informed them that they will not be able to dispatch the equipment "due to world demand."

Muñoz, who participated in the conference that the Minsa conducts every night about the coronavirus, recounted the efforts made with various suppliers, looking for one that could guarantee the supply of the equipment in 10 days.

He also said that in early April he negotiated the purchase with the Promed company, of 20 fans at $ 18 thousand each. "Later they reported that the factory fans were sold to other countries ... This is what we are dealing with on a daily basis," said Muñoz, who cited several examples from other countries. Then, he asked for the help of "any citizen" who has the capacity to acquire each respirator in less than $ 50 thousand, "and put it here in 10 days." As soon as he finished, the Minister of Health, Rosario Turner, informed him that two interested people had already contacted him.

For now, it has been decided to acquire oxygenation equipment and cannulas for patients "who are not seriously ill, and to be able to compensate for the absence of ventilators," said Muñoz.

The company

Muriba Company is a company that, according to the Public Registry, has Julio César Mendoza Potes as legal representative and president; secretary, Amor Iveth Ibáñez Garrido, and treasurer, Fernando Iván Murillo.

The notice of operation that rests with the Ministry of Commerce and Industries specifies that its start date of operation is August 1, 2005 and its commercial activity is the “purchase and sale at retail and wholesale of equipment and machinery of construction, as well as the rental and maintenance of the same ”.

In said portal it is not mentioned that the society has experience in the commercialization of medical supplies as ventilators, a team on which the lives of many patients who are currently serious due to coronavirus depend.

Muriba's offices were called, but there was no response. Calls were also made and messages were left for Mendoza (who has no relationship with Deputy Julio Mendoza), but at press time he had not replied.

Both Mendoza and Murillo and Ibáñez are part of the company name Fernando Iván Murillo & Asociados, S.A. (FIMSA). Mendoza is the legal representative, while Murillo appears as president and Ibáñez is secretary.

According to documents in Panama Compra, the Technological University of Panama chose to administratively resolve a contract with this company for "frequent breaches" in the construction of a laboratory, the cost of which was $ 2.3 million. In addition, he disqualified her for three years to enter into contracts with the State. This is indicated in a note of November 27, 2019, which bears the signature of the rector Héctor Montemayor.

 

https://www.prensa.com/impresa/panorama/mp-abre-caso-por-ventiladores-el-proveedor-retira-su-oferta/

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Investigation opened into  ventilator  buy

Posted 25/04/2020

Just hours after two advisors to the Ministry of Health (Minsa) on COVID-19  Tweeted on Saturday, April 25  their concerns over the near $50,000 price tag for each of 100 ventilators ordered by the Vice-Ministry of the Presidency.an ex officio investigation was started by the Public Ministry for an alleged crime against the administration.

The ventilators, to be used during the health crisis caused by the new coronavirus,  were ordered through the Vice-Ministry of the Presidency.

In the purchase, according to a tweet from the Public Ministry, "there is a possible affectation to the State's assets".

The Vice Minister of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Muñoz, who signed the letter of commitment to pay $5.2 million for the purchase of an amount of, explained that the acquisition of respirators was "crucial", since they represent the difference between life and death.

Also on Saturday afternoon, the National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information said  it will request an explanatory report on the possible purchase of one hundred respirators at a cost of $5.2 million.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/business/investigation-opened-into-ventilator-buy

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Virus advisors denounce $5.2 million price gouging for ventilators

Posted 25/04/2020

A day after an official of the Comptroller General’s office was sanctioned for ordering overpriced face masks a new storm erupted on Friday, April 24,  over a purchase of ventilators at $49,000 apiece when an investigation revealed they can be bought for less than $7,000. leaving the Ministry of the Presidency scrambling to provide answers.

The $5.2 million price tag for 100  ventilators first came to light when members of the  Technical Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Health (Minsa) in the fight against the coronavirus raised concerns on  Saturday, April 25, over the direct purchase, by the Ministry of the Presidency, of 100  Allied brand AHP-300 ventilators from the Muriba Company Inc.

The first to react was the dialectologist and pediatrician, Xavier Sáez-Llorens, who on his  Twitter account attacked the purchase  "at excessive prices". He asked  for an investigation   “because it tarnishes the transparent work carried out by Minsa to combat COVID19.”

A few minutes after Sáez-, intensive care specialist   Julio Sandoval, also part of the team, wrote: “I join your concern. We have worked unconditionally and ad honorem at the forefront of this pandemic, avoiding a health tragedy. "He closed his message asking for a detailed explanation of the purchase process from the Presidency.

The Vice Minister of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Muñoz, who signed the letter of commitment to pay for the purchase explained at a Friday, April 24 at a press conference that the acquisition of respirators is “crucial”, since they represent the difference between life and death.

In the commitment, the price agreed by per unit is $48,950. The purchase is covered by the decree of March 13, which declared ta state of national emergency, for the coronavirus. The quote was received on April 14.

The letter mentions that the devices must be delivered in 10 business days

In a statement, the Presidency mentioned that respirators are a commodity with the highest demand worldwide and that manufacturing companies are aware of this. For this reason, a portable respirator has gone from costing $6,000 and 10,000 to $25,000 and $ 30,000.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/virus-advisors-denounce-52-million-price-gouging-for-ventilators

[Moderator_02]

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Call for specialists to obtain   COVID-19  equipment after ventilator snafu

Juan Carlos Muñoz

Posted 26/04/2020

The price-gouging scandal linked to the purchasing of ventilators for use in Panama’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic has led members of the National COVID-19 Guidance  Commission to stress the need to create a medical-scientific committee to evaluate the acquisition of supplies and equipment to face the crisis. 

The reaction comes after the Ministry of the Presidency planned to purchase 100 AHP-300 ventilators for $5.2 million from the  Muriba Company, Inc.

The Commission says  that it is imperative to avoid improperly consulted and not advised purchases, "as has clearly happened in this case, since they are not directed at the real needs of patients."

The government is urged to approve a decree ordering the formation of an Ad Honorem Scientific Committee made up of five medical and scientific professionals with related and relevant specialties who are in charge of analyzing this type of acquisition. of supplies and equipment taking into account guidelines of Transparency International.

Wrong type

The Guidance Committee document, signed by 62 doctors highlighted that the overpriced ventilators were not the ones that will be needed by most of the patients who require assisted ventilation but continuous support ventilators, whose use may be required for weeks or months on a constant basis by the same patient," the document specifies.

After the controversy over the purchase, the Vice Minister of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Muñoz,  who struggled  to justify the purchase at a Saturday, April 25  press conference reported that the  company had canceled the sale sale "due to world demand " He invited any supplier watching the TV transmission able to offer a better price to call,

Health Minister Rosario Turner said that two smartphone  calls were received during the transmission.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/business/call-for-specialists-to-obtain-covid-19-equipment-after-ventilator-snafu

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El gran negocio de las mascarillas en tiempos de emergencia

El Hospital Santo Tomás, la CSS, el Instituto de Mercadeo Agropecuario y el SUME compraron el mismo insumo, pero a precios totalmente distintos.

 

Ereida Prieto-Barreiro

26 abr 2020 - 11:13 PM

Las mascarillas tipo N95 (como las que usa la enfermera en la foto) se venden en el mercado en menos de $2 la unidad, pero el HST las pagó en poco más de $8 y el IMA en $6. Proveedores consideran que estos precios son ‘exagerados’. AFP

Dos hospitales públicos guardan grandes diferencias en el uso de sus recursos económicos para adquirir mascarillas durante la emergencia causada por la pandemia del nuevo coronavirus.

Y es que el Hospital Santo Tomás pagará poco más de $8 por el mismo tipo de mascarilla que la policlínica Dr. Manuel Ferrer Valdés, en Calidonia, que pagará a $1.64 por unidad o menos.

A través de un contrato directo por “urgencia evidente”, el patronato del Hospital Santo Tomás aprobó la compra por $101 mil 115 a Medical Innovations & Advances Corp. S.A., por ser “la única empresa” que tiene la entrega inmediata de este producto (mascarillas) contra partículas de alta filtración N-95, sin válvula de exhalación, para el personal destinado a tratar con pacientes sospechosos o confirmados con coronavirus.

En un informe técnico, se justifica la contratación al indicar que “es una emergencia nacional la lucha por controlar el brote viral que sacude al país en estos momentos”.

La resolución que aprueba la adquisición de 12 mil 600 mascarillas medianas –fechada el 24 de abril– fue firmada por el secretario general del Ministerio de Salud y presidente delegado del patronato del Hospital Santo Tomás, José Baruco.

En la resolución, Baruco advierte que no se admite el recurso en la vía gubernativa, como indica la ley de medicamentos. No obstante, la resolución puede ser impugnada ante la Sala Tercera de lo Contencioso Administrativo de la Corte Suprema de Justicia. Sin embargo, actualmente ésta se encuentra en suspenso por la crisis sanitaria.

Las mascarillas –que tienen como ficha técnica la No. 28475– son las mismas que pide la Policlínica Dr. Manuel Ferrer Valdés de la Caja de Seguro Social (CSS).

En el formulario de propuesta se destinan $328 para comprar 200 mascarillas y se establece como precio de referencia $1.64 como costo por unidad. La policlínica podría obtener un mejor precio hoy, cuando hagan la apertura de los sobre con las propuestas de las empresas participantes.

Entre las especificaciones se indica que las mascarillas deben ser desechables, resistentes a fluidos. La CSS solicitará el tamaño requerido (grande, mediano, chico o extra chico) y si la requiere o no con válvula de exhalación.

Más “urgencias”

La “urgencia” de contratar directamente también la tuvo el Instituto de Mercadeo Agropecuario (IMA) el pasado jueves 23 de abril, pero pagando más del triple de este último valor por adquirir mascarillas. El IMA desembolsaría $12 mil por 2 mil mascarillas modelo KN95, a $6 la unidad.

El aviso de operación de Suplidora Doble A, empresa proveedora del IMA, indica que su actividad principal es “participar en licitaciones del Estado, tales como suplir de equipo de oficina, muebles de oficina, víveres, comidas secas e implementos deportivos”.

En datos obtenidos en la Contraloría General de la República se observó que la sociedad –inscrita en el Registro Público en agosto de 2012– se ha dedicado a la chapistería y reparación de carros, así como la poda de árboles. Sin embargo, menos de tres meses después de haberse constituido, obtuvo más de $118 mil en contratos del extinto Programa de Ayuda Nacional. En los cheques observados no se detallan los servicios prestados.

Las mismas mascarillas que compró el IMA fueron adquiridas dos días antes por el Ministerio de Gobierno a un costo unitario de $2.69. Las mascarillas serán utilizadas por el personal del Sistema Único de Manejo de Emergencias Pre-hospitalarias (SUME) 911.

El director ejecutivo de SUME, Gil Fábrega, se dirigió mediante nota al director de Contrataciones Públicas, Raphael Fuentes, alegando que requería la contratación directa con Médica Fértil, S.A., por más de 28 mil 700 dólares para adquirir 10 mil mascarillas, porque “al realizar el estudio de mercado respectivo, dicha empresa fue la que ofreció el mejor precio y, por ende, representa los mejores intereses del Estado”.

Una búsqueda en la web con el modelo de mascarilla NK95 revela que las mascarillas pueden obtenerse a $1.41 la unidad. El precio sería porque se le colocó un nuevo diseño en las orejas y cuenta con cuatro capas de protección. El mismo modelo de mascarilla KN95, pero en forma de copa “3D”, se puede adquirir en $1.88 la unidad.

Proveedores de insumos médicos consultados por este medio coincidieron en que son “exagerados” los costos de las mascarillas adquiridas por estas entidades, ya que en el mercado los precios son más bajos, a pesar de la pandemia, y más aún cuando se piden por grandes cantidades.

“A pesar de la crisis económica que genera la pandemia, las empresas nos hemos solidarizado con el pueblo y hemos donado insumos a las entidades para que repartan entre los funcionarios y la ciudadanía”, afirmó uno de los proveedores.

 

Moderator comment: Below is an unedited automated translation of the above news article.

Quote

The big face mask business in times of emergency

The Santo Tomás Hospital, the CSS, the Institute of Agricultural Marketing and SUME bought the same input, but at totally different prices.

Ereida Prieto-Barreiro
Apr 26, 2020 - 11:13 PM

<<U2MYZKTD6NERNMHYR7PX7JLTZY.jpg>>
N95 face masks (like the ones the nurse uses in the photo) are sold in the market for less than $ 2 per unit, but the HST paid for them in just over $ 8 and the IMA paid for $ 6. Suppliers consider these prices to be "exaggerated." AFP

Two public hospitals have great differences in the use of their financial resources to acquire masks during the emergency caused by the new coronavirus pandemic.

And the fact is that the Santo Tomás Hospital will pay just over $ 8 for the same type of mask as the Dr. Manuel Ferrer Valdés polyclinic in Calidonia, which will pay $ 1.64 per unit or less.

Through a direct contract for "evident urgency", the board of the Santo Tomás Hospital approved the purchase for $ 101 thousand 115 from Medical Innovations & Advances Corp. SA, for being "the only company" that has the immediate delivery of this product ( masks) against high-filtration particles N-95, without exhalation valve, for the personnel destined to deal with patients suspected or confirmed with coronavirus.

In a technical report, the hiring is justified by indicating that "the fight to control the viral outbreak that is shaking the country at the moment is a national emergency."

The resolution approving the acquisition of 12,600 medium face masks - dated April 24 - was signed by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health and Delegate President of the Board of Trustees of the Santo Tomás Hospital, José Baruco.

In the resolution, Baruco warns that the recourse is not admitted in the government channel, as indicated by the drug law. However, the resolution can be challenged before the Third Chamber of the Administrative Litigation of the Supreme Court of Justice. However, this is currently on hold due to the health crisis.

The masks –which have No. 28475 as their technical data sheet– are the same ones requested by the Dr. Manuel Ferrer Valdés Polyclinic of the Social Security Fund (CSS).

In the proposal form, $ 328 is destined to buy 200 masks and $ 1.64 is established as the reference price per unit cost. The polyclinic could get a better price today, when they open the envelopes with the proposals of the participating companies.

The specifications state that the masks must be disposable, fluid resistant. The CSS will request the required size (large, medium, small or extra small) and whether or not it requires an exhalation valve.

More "emergencies"

The “urgency” to contract directly also had the Institute of Agricultural Marketing (IMA) last Thursday, April 23, but paying more than triple the latter value to acquire masks. The IMA would disburse $ 12,000 for 2,000 KN95 model masks, at $ 6 per unit.

The notice of operation of Suplidora Doble A, provider company of the IMA, indicates that its main activity is "to participate in government tenders, such as supplying office equipment, office furniture, groceries, dry meals and sports equipment."

In data obtained from the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, it was observed that the company - registered in the Public Registry in August 2012 - has been dedicated to car bodywork and car repair, as well as tree trimming. However, less than three months after it was established, it obtained more than $ 118 thousand in contracts from the defunct National Aid Program. In the checks observed, the services provided are not detailed.

The same masks that the IMA bought were purchased two days before by the Ministry of Government at a unit cost of $ 2.69. The masks will be used by the personnel of the Single System for Pre-hospital Emergency Management (SUME) 911.

SUME's executive director, Gil Fábrega, wrote to the director of Public Procurement, Raphael Fuentes, in a note, alleging that he required direct contracting with Médica Fértil, SA, for more than $ 28,700 to purchase 10,000 masks, because “at to carry out the respective market study, said company was the one that offered the best price and, therefore, represents the best interests of the State ”.

A web search with the NK95 mask model reveals that masks are available at $ 1.41 per unit. The price would be because a new design was placed on the ears and it has four layers of protection. The same model of the KN95 mask, but in the shape of a “3D” cup, can be purchased at $ 1.88 per unit.

Suppliers of medical supplies consulted by this means agreed that the costs of the masks acquired by these entities are "exaggerated", since prices in the market are lower, despite the pandemic, and even more so when they are requested by large quantities.

"Despite the economic crisis caused by the pandemic, the companies have shown solidarity with the people and have donated supplies to the entities so that they distribute them among the officials and the public," said one of the suppliers.

 

https://www.prensa.com/impresa/panorama/el-gran-negocio-de-las-mascarillas-en-tiempos-de-emergencia/

[Moderator_02]

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Propuestas para suministrar ventiladores llegan a Turner a través de WhatsApp

Urania Cecilia Molina

27 abr 2020 - 12:00 AM

La compra prevista por el Ministerio de la Presidencia fue desestimada. Issac Ortega

 

El Ministerio de Salud (Minsa) empezó a recibir propuestas de empresas interesadas en proveer ventiladores al país desde el pasado 25 de abril.

La titular de Salud, Rosario Turner, precisó ayer que todas las propuestas le están llegando a través de WhatsApp. No obstante, no especificó cuántas había recibido en las últimas 24 horas.

El pasado sábado, en la rueda de prensa para actualizar el informe sobre la Covid-19, Turner anunció que había recibido dos proposiciones. Ayer expresó que las propuestas recibidas serán revisadas para ver si cumplen con los requisitos.

Las críticas que levantó la intención de comprar 100 ventiladores AHP-300 a un costo de $5.2 millones, a la sociedad Muriba Company Inc., no se detienen, a pesar de que la compra quedó desestimada, luego de que el viceministro de la Presidencia, Juan Carlos Muñoz, informó que el proveedor retiró la oferta por la “demanda mundial”.

Las muestras de rechazo más reciente surgieron de los miembros del Comité Nacional de Covid-19, conformada por 62 médicos especialistas y de subespecialidades.

Este grupo de profesionales además de solicitar que se suspendiera de “forma inmediata” la compra de los ventiladores portátiles, instó al Ejecutivo a expedir un Decreto Ejecutivo que ordene la conformación de un Comité Científico Ad Honorem integrado por cinco (5) profesionales médicos y científicos con especialidades relacionadas y pertinentes, que tenga a su cargo la función de estudiar y emitir concepto favorable acerca de la viabilidad y condiciones de compra de insumos y equipos médicos que se requieran para enfrentar la pandemia Covid-19, tomando en consideración lineamientos y orientaciones de la oenegé Transparencia Internacional.

Ayer, el Ministerio Público solicitó al Ministerio de la Presidencia que le haga llegar las cotizaciones y toda la documentación relacionada con el proceso de compra, como parte de la investigación que adelanta.

 

Moderator comment: Below is an unedited automated translation of the above news article.

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Proposals to supply fans reach Turner through WhatsApp

Urania Cecilia Molina
Apr 27, 2020 - 12:00 AM

<<ventilators.jpg>>
The purchase planned by the Ministry of the Presidency was rejected. Issac Ortega

The Ministry of Health (Minsa) began receiving proposals from companies interested in supplying ventilators to the country since April 25.

The head of Health, Rosario Turner, specified yesterday that all the proposals are reaching her through WhatsApp. However, he did not specify how many he had received in the last 24 hours.

Last Saturday, at the press conference to update the report on Covid-19, Turner announced that he had received two proposals. Yesterday, he said that the proposals received will be reviewed to see if they meet the requirements.

The criticism raised by the intention to buy 100 AHP-300 fans at a cost of $ 5.2 million, from the Muriba Company Inc., does not stop, despite the fact that the purchase was rejected, after the Vice Minister of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Muñoz reported that the supplier withdrew the offer due to "world demand".

The most recent rejection samples arose from members of the Covid-19 National Committee, made up of 62 specialist and subspecialty doctors.

This group of professionals, in addition to requesting that the purchase of portable ventilators be suspended “immediately”, urged the Executive to issue an Executive Decree ordering the formation of an Ad Honorem Scientific Committee made up of five (5) medical and scientific professionals. with related and pertinent specialties, which is in charge of studying and issuing a favorable concept about the viability and purchasing conditions of medical supplies and equipment required to face the Covid-19 pandemic, taking into account guidelines and guidelines for oenegé Transparency International.

Yesterday, the Public Ministry asked the Ministry of the Presidency to send you the quotes and all the documentation related to the purchase process, as part of the investigation it is carrying out.

 

https://www.prensa.com/impresa/panorama/propuestas-para-suministrar-ventiladores-llegan-a-turner-a-traves-de-whatsapp/

[Brundageba]

I do not follow how a Legal Firm turned procurer of window and window frames...and unfinished laboratories,  becomes the "go-to" shop for necessary ventilators.  I know this is now under scrutiny and will not fly.  But it seems to me there exists some enlarged gonads on this one.   (medical term)

Alison, nurse 

[Moderator_02]

Moderator comment: Interesting and rather quick fallout.

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Juan Muñoz presenta su renuncia al cargo de viceministro de la Presidencia

Linda Batista • 27 Abr 2020 - 04:06 PM

El viceministro de la Presidencia, Juan Carlos Muñoz, presentó su renuncia al presidente de la República de Panamá, Laurentino Cortizo.

Esto luego que el Ministerio Público iniciara una investigación por la compra de ventiladores a precios exorbitantes a través del Viceministerio de la Presidencia.

 

 

Moderator comment: Below is an unedited automated translation of the above news article.

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Juan Muñoz presents his resignation to the post of Vice Minister of the Presidency

<<image.png>>

Linda Batista • Apr 27, 2020 - 04:06 PM

The Vice Minister of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Muñoz, presented his resignation to the President of the Republic of Panama, Laurentino Cortizo.

This after the Public Ministry began an investigation into the purchase of fans at exorbitant prices through the Vice Ministry of the Presidency.

<<image.png>>

https://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/2020/04/27/juan-munoz-presenta-su-renuncia-al-cargo-de-viceministro-de-la-presidencia/2811012.html

[Moderator_02]

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Cortizo acepta la renuncia del viceministro de la Presidencia

Manuel Vega Loo

27 abr 2020 - 04:23 PM

Juan Carlos Muñoz, viceministro de la Presidencia. LP/Archivo

 

El presidente de la República, Laurentino Cortizo, confirmó este lunes 27 de abril que aceptó la renuncia del viceministro Juan Carlos Muñoz, quien tuvo que explicar el pasado fin de semana porque se iban a comprar 100 ventiladores a un precio superior al tradicional.

Muñoz el pasado sábado en la conferencia de prensa que ofrece los informes epidemiológicos explicó porque se estaban haciendo gestiones para comprar ventiladores en los mercados internacionales.

El ahora exfuncionario dijo que los respiradores se habían convertido en un artículo de máxima necesidad por la pandemia del nuevo coronavirus y que sus precios habían aumentado y que no era fácil tampoco adquirirlos.

Muñoz informó el sábado por la tarde en la conferencia de las autoridades de salud que el proveedor, Muriba Company Inc., retiró la oferta por la “demanda mundial”.

La tarde de ese sábado el Ministerio Público informó que comenzó una investigación de oficio tras la denuncia de supuestos precios excesivos en la compra de ventiladores.

La apertura de la investigación es por la compra directa de 100 ventiladores AHP-300 a un costo de $48 mil 950, cada uno.

Cortizo, por su lado, dijo en un tuit que Muñoz desempeñó una labor fundamental para garantizar el abastecimiento de equipo e insumos médicos de manera correcta dentro de las condiciones actuales y demanda mundial.

 

Moderator comment: Below is an unedited automated translation of the above news article.

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Cortizo accepts the resignation of the Vice Minister of the Presidency

Manuel Vega Loo
Apr 27, 2020 - 04:23 PM

<<Munoz.jpg>>
Juan Carlos Muñoz, vice minister of the Presidency. LP / Archive

The President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo, confirmed this Monday, April 27, that he accepted the resignation of Vice Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz, who had to explain last weekend why they were going to buy 100 fans at a higher price than the traditional one.

Muñoz last Saturday at the press conference that offers the epidemiological reports explained why efforts were being made to buy fans in international markets.

The now-former official said that respirators had become a necessity for the new coronavirus pandemic and that their prices had increased and that it was not easy to acquire them either.

Muñoz reported on Saturday afternoon at the health authorities conference that the supplier, Muriba Company Inc., withdrew the offer due to "world demand."

That Saturday afternoon, the Public Ministry reported that an ex officio investigation began after the complaint of alleged excessive prices in the purchase of fans.

The opening of the investigation is for the direct purchase of 100 AHP-300 fans at a cost of $ 48,950 each.

Cortizo, for his part, said in a tweet that Muñoz played a fundamental role in guaranteeing the supply of equipment and medical supplies in a correct way under current conditions and world demand.

 

https://www.prensa.com/politica/cortizo-acepta-la-renuncia-del-viceministro-de-la-presidencia/

[Brundageba]

Well good. A polite exit. Works. I do believe Juan Carlos Munoz approved a 2 million dollar COVID ad campaign recently.   

Edited April 27, 2020 by Brundageba

[Moderator_02]

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Renuncia viceministro que gestionó ventiladores

27 abr 2020 - 10:57 PM

Momento en que el entonces viceministro de la Presidencia, Juan Carlos Muñoz, daba explicaciones sobre el proceso de compra de los ventiladores Ayer Muñoz renunció ayer. Archivo

El presidente Laurentino Cortizo informó que el viceministro de la Presidencia, Juan Carlos Muñoz, a cargo de la frustrada compra de 100 ventiladores a $48 mil cada uno, presentó su renuncia.

Cortizo dijo que Muñoz tuvo un rol fundamental en el abastecimiento de insumos “de manera correcta”. Pero aún no se revelan los detalles de esa gestión de compra.

 

Moderator comment: Below is an unedited automated translation of the above news article.

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Deputy minister who managed fans resigns

Apr 27, 2020 - 10:57 PM

<<CNEMK2J6TFFJLPZL5AO5CWOZEE.jpg>>
At that time the then vice-minister of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Muñoz, gave explanations about the process of buying the fans. Yesterday Muñoz resigned yesterday. Archive

President Laurentino Cortizo reported that the vice minister of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Muñoz, in charge of the frustrated purchase of 100 fans at $ 48,000 each, submitted his resignation.

Cortizo said that Muñoz played a fundamental role in supplying inputs "correctly". But the details of that purchase management are not yet revealed.

 

https://www.prensa.com/impresa/panorama/renuncia-viceministro-que-gestiono-ventiladores/

[Moderator_02]

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Exigen mayor transparencia en las contrataciones públicas

Ha ocurrido en la Presidencia, en la Asamblea, en la CSS y en otras instituciones: Compras de insumos médicos a precios mucho más altos que los usuales generan dudas. Piden explicaciones.

 

Olmedo Rodríguez C.

27 abr 2020 - 10:56 PM

Momento en que el entonces viceministro de la Presidencia, Juan Carlos Muñoz, daba explicaciones sobre el proceso de compra de los ventiladores Ayer Muñoz renunció ayer. Archivo

 

Diversos sectores pidieron al gobierno mayor transparencia en las contrataciones públicas, luego de que se conociera que varias instituciones, incluyendo la Presidencia de la República, negociaron compras de insumos médicos por montos por encima del precio usual.

 

Jorge Juan de la Guardia, presidente de la Cámara de Comercio, Industrias y Agricultura de Panamá, dijo que preocupa que “el esfuerzo titánico realizado en el combate contra la COVID- 19 se ponga en entredicho, y la confianza ciudadana en esa lucha se vea quebrantada por procesos de adquisición cuestionados por falta de transparencia”.

 

A su vez, el Movimiento Independiente por Panamá (Movin), planteó que las compras de insumos y equipos médicos pagadas con fondos públicos deben ser publicadas en una página web, que además tenga un formato de datos abiertos.

Anette Planells, de Movin, señaló, además, que se deben aplicar sanciones más enérgicas a las personas que cometan delitos contra la administración pública en medio de la emergencia.

Planells hizo alusión al hecho de que en la Comisión de Gobierno de la Asamblea Nacional (AN) se aprobó un proyecto que reformaría el Código Penal para, entre otras cosas, aumentar las penas para quien sustraiga o malverse -de cualquier forma- dinero, valores o bienes del Estado.

Hay que recordar que desde finales de marzo pasado, los 13 capítulos latinoamericanos de Transparencia Internacional, se refirieron a la necesidad de fortalecer la fiscalización en las compras para la Covid-19. Recomendaron cinco líneas estratégicas: máxima apertura en la información (incluidos datos abiertos), activación de mecanismos pro-competencia, fiscalización en tiempo real, identificación plena de los recursos utilizados y su destino en un solo sitio, y amplia rendición de cuentas públicas sobre los recursos utilizados y su destino.

Esas advertencias se convirtieron en realidad. Por estos días se han reportado varios casos de compras relacionadas con la pandemia que han generado cuestionamientos. Una de ellas fue la intención de la Presidencia de comprar, de forma directa, 100 ventiladores AHP-300, a un costo de $48 mil 950 cada uno cuando lo usual es que estos equipos cuesten cerca de $6 mil .

Luego de una serie de críticas y de la apertura de una investigación por parte de la Fiscalía Anticorrupción, la Presidencia, a través del viceministro, Juan Carlos Muñoz, informó el pasado viernes que el proveedor desistió del contrato, debido a la alta demanda mundial de estos equipos. No había terminado Muñoz de hablar cuando ya varios proveedores se ofrecían para quedarse con el contrato.

El Ejecutivo, a su vez, invitó a todo ciudadano que pudiera comprar 100 ventiladores a menos de $50 mil por unidad y tenerlos en Panamá en menos de 10 días, que le avisara.

También este fin de semana el Ministerio Público anunció la apertura de una investigación por la compra de 7 mil mascarillas a un costo de $2.50 cada una por parte de la AN. Además, investiga un contrato entre la Caja de Seguro Social y un proveedor por la suma de $168 millones para la distribución de medicamentos.

La lista de compras que genera inquietud no termina ahí. Ayer este diario reportó que mascarillas tipo N95 o KN95, que se consiguen en el mercado en menos de $2 la unidad, fueron contratadas por el Hospital Santo Tomás y el Instituto de Mercadeo Agropecuario a $8 y $6 la unidad, respectivamente.

Al referirse al caso de los ventiladores, la Contraloría señaló que el proceso será auditado. Se pedirá el costo de producción y de venta de esos ventiladores y los mecanismos de exportación para garantizar que se pague “un precio justo y razonable”.

En tanto, ayer, en su cuenta de Twitter, el presidente de la República, Laurentino Cortizo, hizo un llamado al Ministerio Público, a la Contraloría e, incluso, al Órgano Judicial a actuar para garantizar la transparencia en el uso de los fondos públicos.

Dijo que “las instituciones de control tienen que actuar y no ocultar”.

Horas después de este mensaje, Cortizo confirmó la renuncia de Muñoz, la cara visible de la polémica compra.

 

Moderator comment: Below is an unedited automated translation of the above news article.

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They demand greater transparency in public procurement

It has happened in the Presidency, in the Assembly, in the CSS and in other institutions: Purchases of medical supplies at much higher prices than usual raise doubts. They ask for explanations.

Olmedo Rodríguez C.
Apr 27, 2020 - 10:56 PM

<<CNEMK2J6TFFJLPZL5AO5CWOZEE.jpg>>
At that time the then vice-minister of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Muñoz, gave explanations about the process of buying the fans. Yesterday Muñoz resigned yesterday. Archive

Various sectors asked the government for greater transparency in public procurement, after it became known that several institutions, including the Presidency of the Republic, negotiated purchases of medical supplies for amounts above the usual price.

Jorge Juan de la Guardia, president of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama, said that he is concerned that “the titanic effort made in the fight against COVID-19 is called into question, and that citizen confidence in that fight is seen broken by acquisition processes questioned for lack of transparency ”.

In turn, the Independent Movement for Panama (Movin), stated that purchases of medical supplies and equipment paid for with public funds should be published on a website, which also has an open data format.

Anette Planells, from Movin, also pointed out that stronger sanctions should be applied to people who commit crimes against the public administration in the midst of the emergency.

Planells alluded to the fact that in the Government Commission of the National Assembly (AN) a project was approved that would reform the Penal Code to, among other things, increase penalties for anyone who steals or misuses-in any way-money, values or state assets.

It should be remembered that since the end of last March, the 13 Latin American chapters of Transparency International, referred to the need to strengthen the audit on purchases for Covid-19. They recommended five strategic lines: maximum openness in information (including open data), activation of pro-competition mechanisms, real-time control, full identification of the resources used and their destination in one place, and broad public accountability on the resources used and their destination.

Those warnings came true. These days, several cases of purchases related to the pandemic have been reported that have generated questions. One of them was the intention of the Presidency to buy, directly, 100 AHP-300 fans, at a cost of $ 48,950 each when it is usual for these equipment to cost about $ 6,000.

After a series of criticisms and the opening of an investigation by the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office, the Presidency, through the deputy minister, Juan Carlos Muñoz, reported last Friday that the supplier abandoned the contract, due to high global demand for This teams. Muñoz had not finished speaking when several suppliers were already offering to keep the contract.

The Executive, in turn, invited every citizen who could buy 100 fans at less than $ 50 thousand per unit and have them in Panama in less than 10 days, to notify him.

Also this weekend the Public Ministry announced the opening of an investigation for the purchase of 7 thousand masks at a cost of $ 2.50 each by the AN. In addition, it is investigating a contract between the Social Security Fund and a provider for the sum of $ 168 million for the distribution of medications.

The shopping list that causes concern does not end there. Yesterday this newspaper reported that N95 or KN95 type masks, which are available in the market in less than $ 2 a unit, were hired by the Santo Tomás Hospital and the Institute of Agricultural Marketing at $ 8 and $ 6 a unit, respectively.

Referring to the case of the fans, the Comptroller indicated that the process will be audited. The cost of production and sale of these fans and the export mechanisms will be requested to guarantee that "a fair and reasonable price" is paid.

Meanwhile, yesterday, on his Twitter account, the President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo, called on the Public Ministry, the Comptroller's Office and even the Judicial Branch to act to guarantee transparency in the use of public funds.

He said that "control institutions have to act and not hide."

Hours after this message, Cortizo confirmed the resignation of Muñoz, the visible face of the controversial purchase.

 

https://www.prensa.com/impresa/panorama/exigen-mayor-transparencia-en-las-contrataciones-publicas/

[Moderator_02]

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After  ventilator fiasco, president demands transparency

Posted 27/04/2020

In the wake of mounting reports of rash spending by government entities under cover of the pandemic  National  Emergency, President, Laurentino Cortizo,  on Monday, April 27  called to the Public Ministry, the Comptroller General and the Judicial Branch to act to guarantee transparency in the use of public funds.

In his Twitter account, he  wrote  that " transparency and accountability in the use of public funds in a pandemic or normal times", strengthens the certainty of punishment  adding  that: "control institutions have to act and not hide."

Questions and requests for accountability by various sectors of society have arisen due to the purchase processes that the Government has carried out since the quarantine to combat Covid-19 was applied.

The Chamber of Commerce also reacted on Monday, demanding transparency in the purchase of equipment and goods to deal with the pandemic.

The intention of the Ministry of the  Presidency to buy $100 ventilators for $5.2 to attend to coronavirus cases, generated widespread negative reactions.

In the end,  the supplier reported that it could not fulfill the order.  To date, the Ministry has not given details on whether other companies have shown interest in fulfilling the order.

The supplier's withdrawal came, hours after the Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office announced an investigation ex officio for the alleged commission of the crime against the public administration and the Comptroller's Office said that not even an emergency situation exempts officials from transparently safeguarding the proper use of state assets and resources.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/after-ventilator-fiasco-president-demands-transparency

[Moderator_02]

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Wild West facemask pricing during COVID-19 pandemic

Quick buck sellers in facemask market

Posted 27/04/2020

Suplidora Doble A,   a company registered during the Martinelli presidency (2009-14) to participate in government tenders, such as supplying office equipment, office furniture, food, dry meals, and sports equipment," and  which has been largely dedicated to car bodywork and car repair, has emerged as a supplier of facemasks at over three times the going  price during the coronavirus pandemic

While  Santo Tomás Hospital will pay just over $8 for the same type of mask as the Dr. Manuel Ferrer Valdés polyclinic in Calidonia, which will pay $ 1.64 per unit or less says a La Prensa investigation.

Through a direct contract for "evident urgency", the board of the Santo Tomás Hospital approved the purchase for $101,115 from Medical Innovations & Advances Corp. SA, for being "the only company" that has the immediate delivery of theN95  masks against high-filtration particles N-95, without exhalation valve, for personnel dealing with patients suspected or confirmed with coronavirus.

In a technical report, the hiring is justified by indicating that "the fight to control the viral outbreak that is shaking the country at the moment is a national emergency."

The resolution approving the acquisition of 12,600 medium face masks - dated April 24 - was signed by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health and Delegate President of the Board of Trustees of the Santo Tomás Hospital, José Baruco.

The masks –which have No. 28475 as their technical data sheet– are the same ones requested by the Dr. Manuel Ferrer Valdés Polyclinic of the  Social Security Fund (CSS).

In the proposal form, $328 is assigned to buy 200 masks at $1.64 per unit. 

The "urgency" to contract directly also had the Institute of Agricultural Marketing (IMA) on  Thursday, April 23, paying more than triple the value to acquire masks from Suplidora Doble A  The IMA would disburse $12,000 for 2,000 KN95 model masks, at $6 per unit.

The same masks that the IMA bought were purchased two days before by the Ministry of Government at a unit cost of $2.69. The masks will be used by the personnel of the Single System for Pre-hospital Emergency Management (SUME) 911.

SUME's executive director, Gil Fábrega, wrote to the director of Public Procurement, Raphael Fuentes, by note, claiming that he required direct contracting with Médica Fértil, SA, for more than $28,700 to acquire 10,000 masks, because “ the company was the one that offered the best price and, therefore, represents the best interests of the State ”.

A web search with the NK95 mask model reveals that masks are available at $1.41 per unit. The price would be because a new design was placed on the ears and it has four layers of protection. The same model of the KN95 mask, but in the shape of a “3D” cup, can be purchased at $1.88 per unit.

Suppliers of medical supplies consulted by La Prensa  agreed that the costs of the masks acquired by the entities are "exaggerated", since prices in the market are lower, despite the pandemic, and even more so when they are requested in  large quantities.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/business/wild-west-facemask-pricing-during-covid-19-pandemic

[Moderator_02]

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Carlos García, nuevo viceministro de la Presidencia
El presidente de la República, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, anunció esta tarde la designación de Carlos García como nuevo viceministro de la Presidencia, en reemplazo de Juan Carlos Muñoz, quien presentó su renuncia en esta semana. pic.twitter.com/HbkJquiHOm

— Reten_Chiriqui (@RetenChiriqui) April 28, 2020

 

 

Moderator comment: Below is an extract of the Curriculum Vitae (CV) for the new Vice Minister, Sr Carlos Garcia, followed by an unedited automated translation thereof.

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Carlos Garcia, new vice minister of the Presidency

The president of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, announced this afternoon the appointment of Carlos Garcia as the new vice minister of the Presidency, replacing Juan Carlos Muñoz, who presented his resignation this week.

"With his long history and experience, we know that he will responsibly perform this new challenge," said President Cortizo Cohen on his Twitter account when commenting on the new vice minister.

Garcia currently held the position of general secretary of the Institute of National Aqueducts and Sewers (lDAAN). He held the position of secretary general of the Comptroller General of the Republic (2014-2019) and was also vice minister of the Presidency between May 2008 and June 2009.

He was executive director of the Social Investment Fund of the Presidency of the Republic from September 2007 to May 2008; general manager of the Tocumen International Airport between September 2004 and August 2007; Director of Administration and Finance of the Superintendency of Banks of Panama from June 1998 to December 1999, among other positions.
 
In his academic training, Garcia is a magister in Forensic Auditing, in Taxation. and Fiscal Management; in Auditing: He has a Bachelor of Commerce with a Major in Accounting and is a licensed public accountant.

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/RetenChiriqui/status/1255252871005814784

[Moderator_02]

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Prosecutors will continue probe of ventilator and other pandemic buys

Eduardo Ulloa

Posted 28/04/2020

The resignation of Juan Carlos Muñoz as vice minister of the Presidency will not halt  the investigation Opened by the  Public Ministry (MP) determine if there was a crime related to the purchase of 100 hospital ventilators for over $48,000  each said  Panama’s   Attorney General the  Eduardo Ulloa. on Tuesday, April 28.

According to Ulloa, the MP has a constitutional and legal obligation to carry out investigations from the moment he receives news of acts of possible commission of a crime.

The Attorney General reported that, for two weeks, he has asked officials to redouble their efforts so that state resources are managed transparently in the midst of the pandemic.

The MP Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office is in charge of the ventilator probe and in principle, the facts that are given along with the documentation will show which officials would be linked to the case.

He said  that other investigations have been opened such as the purchase of masks by the National Assembly, a contract from the Mayor's Office of San Miguelito, the distribution of medicines by the Social Security Fund, among others.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/prosecutors-will-continue-probe-of-ventilator-and-other-pandemic-buys

[Moderator_02]

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Multi-million “National Emergency” purchase questioned

Posted 28/04/2020

Another multi-million dollar contract issued under the umbrella of the National [COVID-19],Emergency signed by a former vice president of the Presidency who resigned this week, has raised fresh concerns in an organized society.

A payment commitment document circulating on social networks, dated March 22, indicates that the delivery of 2.5 million bottles of alcohol gel,  costing$13.3 million was to be completed on April 20.

Researching public procurement. Panama Compra, La Prensa found nothing regarding the gel

The company from  which the Presidency allegedly promised to buy the gel bottles is Unión Logística, SA , chaired by Enrico Marcello Perrone, according to the Public Registry. The commercial reason of the company is " to provide the service of load in general". According to customs data, Unión Logística, SA has not imported alcohol gel says La Prensa.

The payment commitment refers to the delivery of 2.5million  bottles of 500 ml each, of alcohol-based gel with 70% alcohol-based in water. 

The circulating documents do not specify the brand of the products. According to the proposal, the first delivery of 200,000 bottles was due on March 31. In periodic deliveries from that date until April 20, the 2,500,000 bottles had to be delivered. According to the document, the last delivery was 800,000 bottles.

The payment commitment cites the  March 13 Executive Decree declaring  a state of national emergency, in the face of the spread of Covid-10 in Panama. The resolution declared that the Ministry of the Presidency is the entity in charge of managing public funds to face the emergency.

Both the payment commitment and the proposal have the signature of Juan Carlos Muñoz, vice-minister of the Presidency until April 27.

Muñoz resigned after it was revealed that he was the signatory of another payment commitment letter, for the acquisition of 100 AHP-300 fans for $5.2 million, at a price of  $48,950 apiece, to Muriba Company, Inc. The beneficiary company With the contract - which is not on the list of providers registered with the Ministry of Health.

While Muñoz was struggling to explain the purchase,  the Muriba Company Inc. informed the Presidency that it could not supply the equipment in the agreed time and blamed the manufacturing company.

Organized civil society has questioned the Executive body for not publishing purchases made in the framework of the national emergency in Panama Compra, since it makes it impossible to control public resources.

At a  Monday press conference Vice President and Minister of the Presidency, José Gabriel Carrizo, stated that they have not been disclosed because the documents are not available. Both Carrizo and President Laurentino Cortizo have repeatedly said that all purchases around the Covid-19 will eventually be audited by "renowned companies."

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/business/multi-million-national-emergency-purchase-questioned-1

[Moderator_02]

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Carrizo instruye a comisión de compras por COVID-19 que rindan informe semanal al país

El vicepresidente de la República y ministro de la Presidencia, José Gabriel Carrizo

Odalis Núñez • 29 Abr 2020 - 07:54 AM

El vicepresidente de la República y ministro de la Presidencia, José Gabriel Carrizo instruyó a la comisión de compras de insumos y equipos médicos ante la pandemia del COVID-19 realizar este miércoles 29 de abril, la primera rendición de cuentas al país.

Esto, tras cuestionamientos e investigaciones que lleva a cabo el Ministerio Público por el proceso de adquisición de compra de ventiladores con supuestos sobrecostos y la presunta compra millonaria de botellas de gel alcoholado. 

A través de su cuenta de Twitter, Carrizo publicó que todos los miércoles se rendirá un informe semanal de las compras al pueblo panameño.

Asimismo, solicitó a la Dirección General de Contrataciones Públicas (DGCP), que en su portal Panamá Compras se publiquen en la sección de transparencia todas las compras realizadas por el Ministerio de la Presidencia con los fondos de Emergencia Nacional en el periodo en curso.

El pasado 27 de abril, el viceministro de la Presidencia, Juan Carlos Muñoz, presentó su renuncia al presidente de la República de Panamá, Laurentino Cortizo, tras cuestionamientos por el proceso de adquisición de compra de ventiladores con supuestos sobrecostos.

Muñoz señaló que se cayó la compra millonaria dado que la empresa que entregaría los respiradores indicó que no podría despacharlos por la alta demanda.

 

Moderator comment: Below is an unedited automated translation of the above news article.

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Carrizo instructs the purchasing commission for COVID-19 to report weekly to the country

<<weeklyreporting.jpg>>

The Vice President of the Republic and Minister of the Presidency, José Gabriel Carrizo

Odalis Núñez • Apr 29, 2020 - 07:54 AM

The Vice President of the Republic and Minister of the Presidency, José Gabriel Carrizo instructed the purchasing committee of supplies and medical equipment in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic to carry out the first accountability to the country this Wednesday, April 29.

This, after questions and investigations carried out by the Public Ministry for the process of acquiring the purchase of fans with alleged cost overruns and the alleged purchase of millions of alcoholic gel bottles.

Through his Twitter account, Carrizo published that every Wednesday a weekly report of purchases will be rendered to the Panamanian people.

Likewise, it requested the General Directorate of Public Procurement (DGCP) to publish all purchases made by the Ministry of the Presidency with National Emergency funds in the current period in its transparency section Panama Portal.

On April 27, the Vice Minister of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Muñoz, presented his resignation to the President of the Republic of Panama, Laurentino Cortizo, after questions about the process of acquiring the purchase of fans with alleged cost overruns.

Muñoz pointed out that the million dollar purchase fell because the company that would deliver the respirators indicated that it could not dispatch them due to high demand.

 

https://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/2020/04/29/carrizo-instruye-comision-compras-covid/2815705.html

[Brundageba]

1 hour ago, Moderator_02 said:

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/business/multi-million-national-emergency-purchase-questioned-1

Why are not the companies in the country of Panama that make alcoholic beverage making alcohol disinfection products? ... the necessity of adequate stores for when the quarantine is lifted? ...................A guess. 

Edited April 29, 2020 by Brundageba

[Moderator_02]

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El Gobierno cede: publica detalles de compras y contratos de la pandemia

Eliana Morales Gil

30 abr 2020 - 12:00 AM

Carlos García, viceministro de la Presidencia. Cortesía

A raíz de los cuestionamientos por la poca transparencia en las compras para hacerle frente a la pandemia, el gobierno tuvo que tomar medidas.

Raphael Fuentes, director de Contrataciones Públicas, informó que se habilitó en el portal de Panamá Compras una sección denominada “Compras Mesa Covid-19”, en la que se podrán ver las gestiones que hacen las instituciones para adquirir insumos.

Hasta el cierre de esta nota, se habían publicado intenciones de compra de bonos de supermercados para Panamá Solidario.

Mientras, Carlos García, nuevo viceministro de la Presidencia, prometió que “no se pagará ni un solo balboa en la compra de equipos que no cumplan con los controles”.

A su vez, las autoridades de salud reportaron ayer 6 mil 378 casos acumulados (178 nuevo). Hay 178 defunciones y 92 pacientes en cuidados intensivos.

 

Moderator comment: Below is an unedited automated translation of the above news article.

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Government gives way: publishes pandemic procurement and contract details

Eliana Morales Gil
Apr 30, 2020 - 12:00 AM

<<RVB5XPODOZBEVFALLBS3FEV7AI.jpeg>>
Carlos García, vice minister of the Presidency. Courtesy

As a result of questions about the lack of transparency in purchases to face the pandemic, the government had to take measures.

Raphael Fuentes, director of Public Procurement, reported that a section called “Shopping Covid-19 Table” was enabled on the Panama Purchases portal, where you can see the efforts institutions make to acquire supplies.

Until the closing of this note, intentions to purchase supermarket bonds for Panama Solidario had been published.

Meanwhile, Carlos García, new vice minister of the Presidency, promised that "not a single balboa will be paid in the purchase of equipment that does not comply with the controls."

In turn, the health authorities reported yesterday 6 thousand 378 accumulated cases (178 new). There are 178 deaths and 92 patients in intensive care.

 

https://www.prensa.com/impresa/panorama/el-gobierno-cede-publica-detalles-de-compras-y-contratos-de-la-pandemia/