Integrity Commission probes UHWI procurement breaches
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The article describes an Integrity Commission investigation into UHWI procurement breaches and alleged misuse of tax-exempt status, referencing Auditor General findings, Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, and actions by anti-corruption and customs bodies.
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The Integrity Commission has launched an investigation into specific breaches highlighted by the Auditor General in a report on the operations of the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).
Acting Chief Executive Officer of UHWI, Eric Hosin, told Parliament's Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday that the anti-corruption body has requested files relating to the alleged misuse of the hospital’s tax exemption status, as well as procurement documents tied to civil works highlighted in the audit.
Hosin said the institution is now awaiting the outcome of the investigation.
He also revealed that the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency has requested statements from some UHWI employees, who are expected to make submissions this week.
In addition, Hosin said the Jamaica Customs Agency has already completed one investigation and submitted its findings to UHWI management regarding customs-related breaches.
The Auditor General’s report, tabled in Parliament on January 13, highlighted a series of procurement breaches at the UHWI, including that the hospital did not provide procurement documentation for 51 contracts, with a total value of $521 million.
The hospital reported Tuesday that since the publication of the report, it has found documents for 28 of the contracts, totaling about $270 million.
The audit also revealed that the hospital used its tax exemption to import office furniture, laundry, and medical equipment for four private companies, which were not named, causing losses totaling $23.1 million in unpaid customs duties.
The hospital said it has discontinued the practice. "Internal controls will be implemented to ensure proper use of the UHWI’s tax exempt status," it said in a written response to the parliamentary committee.
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