Fijileaks: The 52 page detailed FICAC Investigation was conducted between January-March 2012 and charges were recommended against Health Minister Neil Sharma and others; from Auditor-General's Report of 2009 it is also clear that Aiyaz Khaiyum must have been aware of the 'rot and scams' in the Health Ministry but he did nothing; instead, in 2014 he gave Sharma ticket to stand as FijiFirst Party candidate in the election! It was part of the charade to present FFP as having a 'clean bill of health'
ANOTHER EXCERPT FROM 'HEALTHGATE' REPORT 2012:
Consultant/Director
Mr. Rohit Rambisessar is a ministry appointed consultant/director for Fiji Pharmaceutical & Bio Medical Services and is required to work 20 hours per week for a period of three months with hourly rate of F$ 50.00 paid on a weekly basis. (Refer Terms of Reference Appendix 5)
Mr. Rohit Rambissessar’s appointment as a consultant implies his responsibility of discharging his duties in line with the code of conduct of the Public Service Commission with highest integrity, accountability, transparency and avoidance of “Conflict of Interest”.
Mr. Rohit Rambissessar had a pecuniary/financial interest as he potentially gained from the public position he held by way of seeking approval to procure vitals locally, thus, registering his company’s interest by tendering quotations and ultimately supplying the goods.
Honorable Minister is equally responsible as he authorized the purchase knowing too well that Mr. Rambisessar is the owner of Samabula Drug Store. As a matter of fact Mr. Rambissessar and Honorable Minister are well acquainted and have been close friends for quite some time.
Mr. Stephen Paul and Mr. Rohit Rambisessar are the share holders of “Stevro Limited”. Mr.Rrohit Kesho Rambisessar is a sole trader of Samabula Drug Store. (Refer Appendix 5.1 and 5.2
In 2009, upon request from the consultant, the Minister approved the purchase of Cancer drugs from “Stevro Limited”.
The then [Fijileaks has withheld job title])_____________, (name withheld)__________ questioned the integrity and transparency of the Minister on the directive to issue LPO to “Stevro Limited and Samabula Drugs” only to face immediate transfer to Head Quarters. _________ who is now based at ________ is our key witness in this scenario.
Two more LPO’S were issued in favor of Samabula Drug Store whose owner is Mr. Rohit Kesho Rambisessar. (Refer Appendix 6, 6.1 and 6.2)
Tender number 218/08 was called on 24/10/08 which closed on 18/12/08. It is evident that tender number 218/08 was put on hold until further notice by the consultant. Soon after the purchase of vitals drugs from Samabula Drug Store on 27/07/09, the evaluated tender number 218/08 which was put on hold by the consultant was formalized by Major Tender Board in its meeting number 12/2009 held on 28/07/09.
On receipt of a formal complaint from an anonymous complainant and Mr [Fijileaks has withheld name] the preliminary investigation is instigated as per the directive of the Deputy Commissioner. It is alleged that the Minister is involved with corrupt conduct, collusion, conspiracy and abuse of office in awarding the tender to Hospineer, Samabula Drug Store and Stevero Limited.
FICAC Recommendations
1. We strongly recommend that the Honorable Minister Dr. Neil Sharma, Mr. Vashu Devan and Mr. Arveen Chandra be charged for collusion, conspiracy, abuse of office and official corruption.
1.1 Dr. Neil Sharma and Mr. Vashu Devan engaged in corrupt conduct by concurring release of confidential summary of price analysis which Mr. Vashu Devan knowingly accepted and used it to his advantage.
2. Honorable Minister Dr. Neil Sharma and Mr. Rohit Kesho Rambissessar both engaged in corrupt conduct in relation to LPO’S issued to Mr. Rohit Rambissessar’s companies {Samabula Drug Store and Stevro Limited} The request submitted by Mr. Rohit Rambissessar to Honorable Minister Dr. Neil Sharma who approved the purchase knowing that Mr. Rohit Rambissessar at the time was an appointed consultant and owner of these companies.
2.1 Mr. Rohit Rambissessar and Dr Neil Sharma had been close associate for sometime. As a result, both of them have knowingly and deliberately abused their authority.
3. ____________(name withheld) may be a party to the conspiracy and as such is one of the suspects.
Name List of Key Witness to the above (Fijileaks - Names Withheld):
1) Evaluation Team
2) Mr. _________
3) Mr._________
4) M/S_________
5) Mr._________
6) Mr. _________
7) Mr.________
8) FPO Officials.
9) Dr. ________.
10) Dr. _________
11) Dr. ________ (possibly A suspect)
12) ___________
13) Dr. ________
14) Mr. ________
15) Mrs. ________
16) ________ (Fiji Pharmaceutical Biomedical Services)
Mr. Rohit Rambisessar is a ministry appointed consultant/director for Fiji Pharmaceutical & Bio Medical Services and is required to work 20 hours per week for a period of three months with hourly rate of F$ 50.00 paid on a weekly basis. (Refer Terms of Reference Appendix 5)
Mr. Rohit Rambissessar’s appointment as a consultant implies his responsibility of discharging his duties in line with the code of conduct of the Public Service Commission with highest integrity, accountability, transparency and avoidance of “Conflict of Interest”.
Mr. Rohit Rambissessar had a pecuniary/financial interest as he potentially gained from the public position he held by way of seeking approval to procure vitals locally, thus, registering his company’s interest by tendering quotations and ultimately supplying the goods.
Honorable Minister is equally responsible as he authorized the purchase knowing too well that Mr. Rambisessar is the owner of Samabula Drug Store. As a matter of fact Mr. Rambissessar and Honorable Minister are well acquainted and have been close friends for quite some time.
Mr. Stephen Paul and Mr. Rohit Rambisessar are the share holders of “Stevro Limited”. Mr.Rrohit Kesho Rambisessar is a sole trader of Samabula Drug Store. (Refer Appendix 5.1 and 5.2
In 2009, upon request from the consultant, the Minister approved the purchase of Cancer drugs from “Stevro Limited”.
The then [Fijileaks has withheld job title])_____________, (name withheld)__________ questioned the integrity and transparency of the Minister on the directive to issue LPO to “Stevro Limited and Samabula Drugs” only to face immediate transfer to Head Quarters. _________ who is now based at ________ is our key witness in this scenario.
Two more LPO’S were issued in favor of Samabula Drug Store whose owner is Mr. Rohit Kesho Rambisessar. (Refer Appendix 6, 6.1 and 6.2)
Tender number 218/08 was called on 24/10/08 which closed on 18/12/08. It is evident that tender number 218/08 was put on hold until further notice by the consultant. Soon after the purchase of vitals drugs from Samabula Drug Store on 27/07/09, the evaluated tender number 218/08 which was put on hold by the consultant was formalized by Major Tender Board in its meeting number 12/2009 held on 28/07/09.
On receipt of a formal complaint from an anonymous complainant and Mr [Fijileaks has withheld name] the preliminary investigation is instigated as per the directive of the Deputy Commissioner. It is alleged that the Minister is involved with corrupt conduct, collusion, conspiracy and abuse of office in awarding the tender to Hospineer, Samabula Drug Store and Stevero Limited.
FICAC Recommendations
1. We strongly recommend that the Honorable Minister Dr. Neil Sharma, Mr. Vashu Devan and Mr. Arveen Chandra be charged for collusion, conspiracy, abuse of office and official corruption.
1.1 Dr. Neil Sharma and Mr. Vashu Devan engaged in corrupt conduct by concurring release of confidential summary of price analysis which Mr. Vashu Devan knowingly accepted and used it to his advantage.
2. Honorable Minister Dr. Neil Sharma and Mr. Rohit Kesho Rambissessar both engaged in corrupt conduct in relation to LPO’S issued to Mr. Rohit Rambissessar’s companies {Samabula Drug Store and Stevro Limited} The request submitted by Mr. Rohit Rambissessar to Honorable Minister Dr. Neil Sharma who approved the purchase knowing that Mr. Rohit Rambissessar at the time was an appointed consultant and owner of these companies.
2.1 Mr. Rohit Rambissessar and Dr Neil Sharma had been close associate for sometime. As a result, both of them have knowingly and deliberately abused their authority.
3. ____________(name withheld) may be a party to the conspiracy and as such is one of the suspects.
Name List of Key Witness to the above (Fijileaks - Names Withheld):
1) Evaluation Team
2) Mr. _________
3) Mr._________
4) M/S_________
5) Mr._________
6) Mr. _________
7) Mr.________
8) FPO Officials.
9) Dr. ________.
10) Dr. _________
11) Dr. ________ (possibly A suspect)
12) ___________
13) Dr. ________
14) Mr. ________
15) Mrs. ________
16) ________ (Fiji Pharmaceutical Biomedical Services)
The 2009 Auditor-General's Report
MR PETER ZINCK, WHERE ARE YOU? PICK UP THAT PHONE OR CONTACT US: editor@fijileaks.com
Peter Zinck???? REPORT OF THE AUDITOR GENERAL OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE FIJI ISLANDS
Volume 3 Audit Report on Government Ministries and Departments - 2008
FIJI PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES
19.21 Pending Surcharge – Mr. Peter Zinck
Any sum or sums due by an officer to government may be deducted by the Permanent Secretary for Finance from salary due to such officer. An officer shall be given prior notice of such action being taken. In addition, all practical and cost effective efforts shall be made to recover losses which are recoverable and to avoid future losses occurring from the same cause.
The former Chief Pharmacist, Mr. Peter Zinck, was surcharged $50,316.94 (50% of $100,633.88) for non delivery of 100 hospital beds ordered as per the indent MD107/03. The supplier, Pacific Surgimed International Ltd of New Zealand was paid in advance the total amount of $100,633.88 in December 2002.
The Officer applied for leave without pay for a year with effect from 18/08/08; however this was declined by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance and the Public Service Commission, reason being him owing substantial surcharge amount. Without any approval, Mr Zinck proceeded on leave and as a result his service was terminated on 17/08/08.
Audit noted that his salary was ceased on 26/08/08 instead of 18/08/08, resulting in overpayment of salary amounting to $1,041.47. The Officer was repaying the surcharges amount at a rate of $120 / fortnight; however this ceased on 25/08/08 due to his termination. The Officer is now employed at the United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA). The Officer owes the government $47,758.41, resulting from surcharge ($46,716.94) and overpayment of salary ($1,041.47).
In addition, Mr. Zinck is yet to return a safe given to him whilst holding the position of a Chief Pharmacist. The Ministry was not able to provide the material value of the safe. This case was been investigated by the Anti Money Laundering Unit, Criminal Investigation Department of the Fiji Police Force in July 2008. As at the audit date, neither any report has been received by the Ministry nor the Ministry followed up on this case with the mentioned unit. Failure to instigate timely action could result in substantial amount of loss to the government. Also the prolong delay in taking necessary action would result in the amount not refunded from the supplier.
Recommendations
The Ministry should officially write and inform Mr. Zinck to make necessary arrangement to clear all his outstanding dues.
Appropriate authorities should be consulted and informed if the attempt to fully recover outstanding surcharges is unsuccessful.
The Ministry should follow up with the CID Unit on the progress of the case.
Further OAG Comments
During the exit meeting on 21/09/09, the Permanent Secretary commented that this case was handled directly by the current Minister with CID Police Department. However, they will be seeking legal advice from Solicitor General, and would be informing the Immigration Department, Public Service Commission and the UNFPA about this case.
Another person (Mr. Narendra Goundar) involved in this case has gone overseas and his wher[e]abouts are
unknown. His name would be sent to Immigration Department and the Interpol.
Volume 3 Audit Report on Government Ministries and Departments - 2008
FIJI PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES
19.21 Pending Surcharge – Mr. Peter Zinck
Any sum or sums due by an officer to government may be deducted by the Permanent Secretary for Finance from salary due to such officer. An officer shall be given prior notice of such action being taken. In addition, all practical and cost effective efforts shall be made to recover losses which are recoverable and to avoid future losses occurring from the same cause.
The former Chief Pharmacist, Mr. Peter Zinck, was surcharged $50,316.94 (50% of $100,633.88) for non delivery of 100 hospital beds ordered as per the indent MD107/03. The supplier, Pacific Surgimed International Ltd of New Zealand was paid in advance the total amount of $100,633.88 in December 2002.
The Officer applied for leave without pay for a year with effect from 18/08/08; however this was declined by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance and the Public Service Commission, reason being him owing substantial surcharge amount. Without any approval, Mr Zinck proceeded on leave and as a result his service was terminated on 17/08/08.
Audit noted that his salary was ceased on 26/08/08 instead of 18/08/08, resulting in overpayment of salary amounting to $1,041.47. The Officer was repaying the surcharges amount at a rate of $120 / fortnight; however this ceased on 25/08/08 due to his termination. The Officer is now employed at the United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA). The Officer owes the government $47,758.41, resulting from surcharge ($46,716.94) and overpayment of salary ($1,041.47).
In addition, Mr. Zinck is yet to return a safe given to him whilst holding the position of a Chief Pharmacist. The Ministry was not able to provide the material value of the safe. This case was been investigated by the Anti Money Laundering Unit, Criminal Investigation Department of the Fiji Police Force in July 2008. As at the audit date, neither any report has been received by the Ministry nor the Ministry followed up on this case with the mentioned unit. Failure to instigate timely action could result in substantial amount of loss to the government. Also the prolong delay in taking necessary action would result in the amount not refunded from the supplier.
Recommendations
The Ministry should officially write and inform Mr. Zinck to make necessary arrangement to clear all his outstanding dues.
Appropriate authorities should be consulted and informed if the attempt to fully recover outstanding surcharges is unsuccessful.
The Ministry should follow up with the CID Unit on the progress of the case.
Further OAG Comments
During the exit meeting on 21/09/09, the Permanent Secretary commented that this case was handled directly by the current Minister with CID Police Department. However, they will be seeking legal advice from Solicitor General, and would be informing the Immigration Department, Public Service Commission and the UNFPA about this case.
Another person (Mr. Narendra Goundar) involved in this case has gone overseas and his wher[e]abouts are
unknown. His name would be sent to Immigration Department and the Interpol.
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