Will support all inquiries in the ventilator corruption scandal: Minister Naseem

Health Minister Ahmed Naseem has affirmed that the Ministry of Health will support and address all inquiries in the ventilator corruption scandal.

Minister Naseem made the remarks at the People's Majlis on Wednesday, in response to a question by MP for the Bilaiydhoo constituency Ahmed Haleem. Minister Naseem stated that the case of corruption in acquiring ventilators for Covid-19 patients was from before his time as Health Minister, and highlighted that he had previously spoken on the issue at parliament as well.

In addition to this, Health Minister Naseem stated that he was willing to support and address all future inquiries in relation to the case. Minister Naseem also noted that some were making it seem that the Health Ministry was being non-cooperative to investigative efforts, and affirmed that they would be aiding investigation efforts transparently as they progressed.

Minister Naseem assured that the Health Ministry had hidden no information about the case, and that the ministry would be cooperating with the parliament and all other institutions in investigating the alleged corruption in acquiring ventilators for Covid-19 patients, which occurred during the leadership of former Health Minister Abdulla Ameen.'

Earlier this week. the Prosecutor General's Office revealed that they will be reviewing their earlier decision to not press charges in relation to the ventilator corruption case. The PGO will be coordinating their investigative efforts with the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Maldives Police Service.