HCMC – Tran Van Hai, director of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap, has been detained for allegedly violating bidding regulations during the procurement of medical equipment and Covid tests kits from Viet A Technology Corporation.
Nguyen Thi Le Ngoc, deputy head of the division of Testing-Image Analysis-Functional Exploration under Dong Thap CDC, was also arrested for the same charge, the local media reported.
Earlier, Dong Thap inspectors concluded that in 2020-2021, the province’s CDC and healthcare units spent over VND742 billion from the anti-Covid fund buying medical equipment and supplies, test kits and drugs.
These units bought medical equipment and test kits from Viet A through 10 packages worth over VND233 billion. However, the actual value of the equipment and test kits was over VND197 billion, and they paid Viet A nearly VND157 billion.
Relating to the Viet A case, the Police Department for Corruption, Smuggling and Economic Crimes under the Ministry of Public Security and the police departments of localities have filed charges against nearly 40 people, including 16 leaders and officials of the CDC and the Department of Health of provinces, including Hai Duong, Bac Giang, Nghe An, Binh Duong, Thua Thien Hue, Nam Dinh, Binh Phuoc, Ha Giang, Hau Giang and Dong Thap.
