Vietnam PM mulls corruption crackdown to utilize coronavirus pandemic fight

Bidding packages range from medical equipment, drugs, face masks to testing kits and ventilators will be inspected closely in localities.

The government chief ordered to strictly punish those who violate regulations on bidding regulations. The action has been decided after several corruption cases in the health sector were unveiled while the country is calling resources from citizens, enterprises to fight the pandemic.

Last week, Director of Hanoi Center for Disease Control Nguyen Nhat Cam and six others were arrested for suspected corruption related to COVID-19 test kits purchases. The CDC is responsible for preventing outbreaks and infectious diseases in the capital city.

The Ministry of Public Security said on Wednesday that Cam was taken in for violating regulations of the law on bidding causing serious consequences.

The center conspired to cheat and raise the price of a bidding package for Covid-19 test kits utilizing Real-time PCR systems, according to VnExpress.

Another province was reported to buy PCR test equipment at a ridiculously high price. Ninh Binh General Hospital in Ninh Binh province bought the equipment at nearly VND7.9 billion ($338,000).

Quang Nam province in the central region of Vietnam was reported the purchase the machine at more than VND7 billion.

The PCR test equipment is sold at $251,000. Several other provinces told the Ministry of Health that they borrowed the equipment during inspections.

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Source: VGP, VnExpress