Supply of substandard dialysis machines for NCP kidney patients revealed

Project implemented at a cost of Rs 134,120,000 under probe

By Shamindra Ferdinando-December 30, 2015, 9:21 am 

A massive state-funded project implemented in the North Central Province (NCP) for the benefit of Chronic kidney disease patients has failed due to the supply of substandard dialysis machines during the previous administration.

The NCP consists of the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts.

Investigations undertaken by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate and Inquire into Serious Acts of Fraud, Corruption and Abuse of Power, State Resources and Privileges (PRECIFAC) had implicated ministers of the then UPFA-run North Central Provincial Council and public officials in an alleged racket to supply low quality dialysis machines, authoritative sources told The Island yesterday.

Although a staggering Rs. 134,120,000 was spent on the project, those responsible for its implementation had failed to secure dialysis machines that confirmed to recommended specifications, sources said.

According to a PRECIFAC document (seen by The Island), under this project, 5,000 dialysis machines had been distributed in 2010, 2,500 and 5,000 in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

The ongoing investigation revealed that in accordance with the accepted tender procedures, the NCP administration failed to ensure the maintenance of required laboratory facilities, regional maintenance centres as well as failure to perform much needed tests, sources said.

The investigation has further revealed the failure on the part of the provincial administration to obtain replacement dialysis machines for those that hadn’t been properly maintained.

Responding to a query, sources said that the entire payment had been made by the provincial administration. Unfortunately, the supplied machines had failed to filter harmful waste, salt, and excess fluid from blood, sources said.

They said that the PRECIFAC had recorded statements from at least 15 persons so far. Sources alleged that provincial ministers and officials had abused their power and obtained substandard equipment having misled and deceived the public.

Investigations have revealed that the previous government hadn’t inquired into the NCP project. Sources said that patients had been led to believe they were safe.