05 Aug 2020

Over P210 million was disbursed for health supplies with a value of P1 million through direct appointment since the declaration of the State of Emergency, Parliament has been informed.

However, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Dr Thapelo Matsheka told Parliament on Tuesday that a list of companies that were engaged and the goods procured would be provided later since it was a long list. 

He confirmed that the procurement of government supplies was administered by Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and procured using COVID-19 Relief Fund. 

Further, Dr Matsheka said a total of over P141 million worth of medical supplies were procured from three companies in china namely, BGI Health co, MGI International Sales and DAAn Gene Co.  

In addition, Minister Matsheka said the Ministry of Health And Wellness had submitted P2.4 billion in April for Laboratory commodities, PPEs and other equipment for the country to fight COVID-19. 

As a result of government’s prompt response to the pandemic including lockdown, the spread of disease was contained.  

“There were donations that were provided, which reduced the amount that was originally requested,” he said. 

Minister Matsheka was responding to MP for Maun West, Mr Dumelang Saleshando, who asked the minister to provide details of purchase made by government for supplies associated with the value of over P1 million through direct appointment and further state the companies engaged and the goods procured as well as details of medical supplies worth over P2.4 billion procured from China. Ends