Anti-Corruption Commission of Maldives (ACC) has instructed Ministry of Health to re-evaluate the bidding process to purchase ambulances. The instruction was given amid allegations the company which made the highest bid was selected to provide the ambulances.
Speaking to PSM News, commission member Aishath Abdulla revealed an investigation has been completed regarding a complaint received to ACC. She explained several irregularities were found during the investigation, adding ACC has instructed the health ministry re-evaluate the bidding process. She revealed the complaint was submitted by ADK Trade and Shipping Private Limited, which proposed the lowest price and the shortest duration to provide the ambulances.
However, the health ministry awarded the bid to India-based Mohan Mutha Exports Private Limited which proposed over USD 45,000 more than the price quoted by ADK.
ADK proposed to provide 15 ambulances within a period of 59-89 days for a price of USD 512,740. Mohan Mutha Exports, which was eventually awarded the bid, proposed to provide the 15 ambulances with 90 days for a price of USD 564,663.