One of Malawi’s key donor, United Kingdom, has rejected supporting the procurement of 3 digit X-rays machines for Malawi Government following irregularities which accompanied bidding and all tendering processes, ruling out any possible bribery and corrupt practice allegations suggesting that Minister of Health Dr Peter Kumpalume received K50Million from Lilongwe City Centre Parliamentarian, David Bisnowaty to garner favours and influence tenders for himself.
In February 2016, British Government through Department For International Development (DFID) in its capacity as member of Donor Health Group (DHG) suspended the muilti billion Digital X-Ray machines procurement in order to investigate corrupt practices.
Following the suspension, Health Donor group instituted the inquiry by engaging private company to do proper investigations HSJF Agent (GFA Consulting).
In a letter to the Ministry of Health, DFID Senior Health Adviser Andrew MacNee, which has been copied to Ms Emma Mabvumbe, who is director of Policy and Planning Department in the Ministry of health and HSJF Fiduciary Agent, reads in part;
“You Will recall the Ministry of Health wrote to us on 5 February, 2016 regarding possible irregularities in the procurement process for 3 digital X-Ray machines. On the basis of this letter, The HSJF DP suspended our support for the procurement and requested a number of investigations be conducted,”
According to the letter there were indeed gaps in the way how Biocare the tender was awarded.
Soon after rewarding the tender to Biocare Company, Medical Consultants Africa a company which is owned by Bisnowaty wrote the ministry challenging the results and MCA called for review of the bidding process.
According to the letter which has been addressed to Secretary for Health Dr Macphail Magwira donors cannot support the procurement since the process of procuring the machines went ahead without their knowledge.
What this means is that Malawians will continue suffering in our hospitals with no new machines.