Paraguay
They are calling for an investigation into an oxygen plant at the National Hospital of Itauguá and are demanding Fretes' intervention
Deputy Adrián “Billy” Vaesken denounced alleged irregularities in equipment installed during the pandemic and called for action by the Comptroller’s Office and the Public Prosecutor’s Office. According to ABC Color, he also urged the new Health Minister, Isaías Fretes, to review the case.
Deputy Adrián “Billy” Vaesken visited the National Hospital of Itauguá this weekend to check the condition of the medicinal oxygen generating plant installed during the pandemic, amid complaints from patients’ relatives and health personnel, according to ABC Color.
According to that outlet, the lawmaker said the equipment is not operational and claimed the control panel would show oxygen readings even when it is not running. He also said that, after touring the site, he compared the complaints with medical and administrative staff.
Vaesken said he was shown 48 letters sent to the Ministry of Public Health with no response and that there was also no intervention by the Comptroller’s Office, ABC Color reported. For that reason, he said they have formally asked the Accounts and Control committee of the Chamber of Deputies to push for action by the oversight body.
In addition, the deputy announced that at the ordinary session of Deputies they will present a draft resolution urging the Public Prosecutor’s Office to investigate the possible commission of criminal offenses in the acquisition, installation and operation of the hospital plant.
According to ABC Color, the plant was awarded for G. 21,254,822,456 and is part of a package of 11 units purchased during the Covid pandemic. Vaesken identified NEIGHPART S.A.E.C.A. as the supplier company and said G. 10,745,852,355 were paid during the government of Mario Abdo Benítez and another G. 9,781,962,360 under the administration of Santiago Peña.
The lawmaker said the measures aim to review what was done during the terms of Julio Borba and María Teresa Barán at the head of Health. He also called on the new minister, Isaías Fretes, to familiarize himself with the case and, if appropriate, file a complaint.
Sources
About this note. Written by El Notero with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on what was published by the cited outlet. El Notero did not do its own reporting on this event.
