News Desk
In a damning indictment of corruption and mismanagement within the Maldivian healthcare system, the Maldives has emerged victorious in a case filed against Dubai-based Executors General Trading at the Maldives International Arbitration Center. The case, brought forward by the Attorney General’s office, centered on the company’s egregious failure to deliver much-needed ventilators, a vital lifeline in the fight against COVID-19.
The saga dates back to February 2, 2020, when an agreement was inked between the Health Ministry and Executors General Trading for the supply of ventilators. However, the company brazenly flouted its contractual obligations, leaving the country grappling with the dire consequences of its negligence.
Seeking recompense for the cost of the undelivered ventilators and the resultant damages, the Maldivian government demanded a total of MVR 32 million in compensation.
In a glaring display of impunity, Executors General Trading opted not to participate in the arbitration proceedings, further exacerbating the nation’s woes. Despite repeated calls for accountability, the company has steadfastly refused to settle its dues, leaving the Maldivian government to foot the bill for arbitration fees.
With the arbitration award now totaling $2,245,365 or MVR 34.62 million, the Maldives finds itself grappling with the fallout of one of the largest healthcare-related corruption scandals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The scandal, commonly referred to as the “Ventilator Corruption Case,” stems from the previous government’s ill-fated decision to disburse MVR 34 million to Executors General Trading without requisite due diligence or a bank guarantee.
The repercussions of this grave lapse in judgment were swift and severe, prompting the dismissal of the Health Minister and top officials within the ministry. An audit report laid bare the ministry’s glaring lapses, highlighting its failure to assess the company’s capacity to deliver vital healthcare equipment like ventilators.
Alarmingly, the audit report revealed a stark lack of information regarding Executors General Trading, with the ministry failing to conduct even basic due diligence. Despite mounting evidence of malfeasance, the company brazenly reneged on its contractual obligations, plunging the Maldives into a healthcare crisis of unprecedented proportions.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this egregious betrayal of public trust, questions abound regarding the next course of action should Executors General Trading continue to flout the arbitration ruling. In the face of such flagrant disregard for accountability and transparency, the Maldives stands at a crossroads, its healthcare system held hostage by the machinations of corruption and misgovernance.
