Dawes presses MediTech for transparency in $31m medical drill procurement
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesperson on Health Dr Alfred Dawes is again calling for answers from Medical Technologies Limited over the $31 million procurement of a neurosurgical drill for the Bustamante Children’s Hospital.
In a statement, Dawes said MediTech has failed to address key concerns raised at a recent press conference, particularly surrounding cost, legality, and transparency. While the company acknowledged a transaction took place, he said it has not provided documents to explain the price difference between the reported $31 million paid and an alleged global market value of $3 million.
He called on MediTech to disclose import entry records, including the declared customs value, to show compliance with trade regulations.
Dawes also questioned whether the drill was properly reimported, noting the absence of an IM6 form, which is required for re-entry of previously exported goods. He asked who cleared the item through customs, what value was declared, and whether the hospital’s tax-exempt status was used.
He further raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, pointing to a shareholder reportedly holding shares in trust for an unnamed individual, and questioned whether that person had influence within the health system.
Dawes said the Ministry of Health failed in its oversight responsibilities and called for the Auditor General to audit the procurement process, the Customs Agency to release related documentation, and SERHA and the ministry to confirm whether due diligence was done.
He dismissed MediTech’s threat of legal action, saying accountability must come first and the public deserves answers.