TISL files FR case over controversial medical supplies procurement through Indian Credit Line

Friday, 17 February 2023 01:32 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Entire Cabinet, NMRA, Health Services Director General, Bribery Commission Customs and two Indian companies named among 47 respondents

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) yesterday filed a fundamental rights petition (SC/FR 65/2023) in the Supreme Court naming 47 Respondents, in relation to the steps taken by the Cabinet of Ministers, Health Minister, the Ministry of Health, and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) to procure medical supplies from two Indian private companies.

TISL said this case was filed in the public interest, and challenges the following: The role of the Cabinet of Ministers in procuring medical supplies through unregistered private suppliers, the role of the NMRA in providing a Waiver of Registration to procure medical supplies from unregistered suppliers, non-compliance with procurement guidelines including the emergency procurement process and Abuse of process by the Health Minister and the NMRA Chief Executive Officer.

In its petition, TISL alleged that the citizens’ fundamental right to equality (Article 12(1)) and the right of access to information (Article 14A) have been violated, along with serious disregard for the health, safety and wellbeing of the people and in total abuse of public trust and public funds.

TISL seeks further information on these transactions.

The petition seeks interim orders against: The procurement based on this unsolicited proposal and the placing of any orders, Approvals for Waiver of Registration of 38 drugs, Importation of said drugs into Sri Lanka and Making payment for such drugs

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, Customs Director-General, Inspector-General of Police, Savorite Pharmaceuticals, Kausikh Therapeutics (P) and the Attorney-General are also named as respondents in this petition.

The full petition is accessible online via https://www.tisrilanka.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Petition.pdf