‘Conduct transparent probe into claims of monopoly’

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged the Health Ministry to conduct transparent and independent investigations into the alleged “bid-rigging” in the open tender process in the supply of drugs to the Government.

MMA president Dr Ravindran Naidu said he was making the suggestion as he was convinced by Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad’s sincerity and desire to improve the country’s healthcare.

Pharmaceutical company Pharmaniaga had been accused of the monopoly, but Dr Dzulkefly has since denied the accusation.

Dr Ravindran, in his statement yesterday, however said the Ministry’s response on the matter has been “curiously off-target”.

“A press statement by the Minister merely points out that Pharmaniaga does not have a monopoly on the supply of drugs.

“He also said the contract between the Ministry and Pharmaniaga contains targets and deliverables, but this does not address the issue,” he said.

Earlier this month, a 12-page document was widely circulated, claiming the open tender process for drug procurement by the Government was rigged, enabling a monopoly of sorts.

It alleged that the monopoly involved high-ranking officials and companies linked to politicians, who controlled billions of ringgit worth of medical supply to the Government.

It also claimed that the tenders went to six main agents, who were collectively awarded RM3.4bil or 90.93% of the total sum.

Dr Ravindran urged the Ministry not to dismiss the monopoly claims, considering the use of Official Secrets Act as well as subtle and overt threats to keep people from looking into suspicious dealings under the previous government.