Committee to probe fogging machine tender

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Health Ministry Secretary Dr Nihal Jayathilake appointed a three member committee to inspect methods adopted in the purchase 100 fogging machines to the Dengue Control Unit (DCU), a spokesman said.

Ministry sources said Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena suspended a controversial tender for purchasing 100 fogging machines used for mosquito eradication, due to the complaints he received.

The sources said the minister warned officials that he had come to know, from a reliable source, that they were trying to manipulate the tender process for their own benefit by approving a tender submitted by the highest bid for Rs 148,000 per machine, whereas a similar machine could be purchased for Rs 87,916.

The minister informed the ministry secretary to suspend the tender until the conclusion of investigations.

Dr Jayathilake appointed a three member committee to probe the issue.

Sources said reports published that Health Ministry approval was granted to purchase fogging machines were totally false adding that that ministry will take disciplinary action against the officials connected to the tender issue if investigations point to fraud.