COA flags Pampanga for overpriced anti-COVID-19 supplies

MANILA, Philippines — The provincial government of Pampanga has been asked to justify its procurement of medicine and medical supplies amounting to P14.14 million in connection with its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In its 2020 annual report, the Commission on Audit (COA) said the procured items were P5.45 million higher than the price index set by the Department of Health (DOH).

The audit body said provincial officials did not negotiate for better prices despite a DOH memorandum reminding government offices to heed the price freeze on essential medicine and medical supplies.

The COA said a purchase order dated April 28, 2020, showed that the provincial government procured 1,000 gallons of 70 percent isopropyl alcohol at P750 per gallon.

The COA said that under a DOH price index dated April 14, 2020, a gallon of 70 percent isopropyl alcohol should cost only P520.

Also flagged was the procurement of 200 units of thermal scanners at P4,800 each and 2,400 pieces of protective goggles at P217 each.

The COA said a thermal scanner should cost only P4,500 each while goggles should cost P180 each.

The biggest transaction flagged was the procurement of 100,000 tablets of 250 milligrams chloroquine phosphate for P11.975 million.

The COA said the provincial government bought the medicine at P119. 75 per tablet when the DOH pegged its price at P59 to P69 per tablet.

The audit body said the provincial government’s bids and awards committee should submit a “satisfactory explanation” on the difference in the price of the procured medicine compared to the cap imposed by the DOH.