Prosecutors of the Romanian National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) suspect that the managers of some hospitals in Hargita (Harghita), Brassó (Braşov) and Iaşi counties purchased grossly overpriced medical equipment and supplies this year. According to the DNA’s assessment, the amount embezzled from public funds exceeds RON 1.5 million.
The DNA conducted searches in 22 locations on Thursday in the abovementioned counties. The prosecutors raided hospitals, private homes and commercial groups in an attempt to procure evidence of the alleged fraud. As the Székelyhon.ro news portal reported, one of the institutions involved was the Municipal Hospital of Székelyudvarhely (Odorheiu Secuiesc) and another was the Infectious Disease Hospital of Braşov. Twelve people were taken into custody, among them the manager of the Székelyudvarhely Municipal Hospital and two employees.
On completion of the searches, the DNA published a communiqué, reporting that a number of public functionaries are under investigation for influence peddling, giving and accepting bribes, abuse of office, misuse of public funds and other corruption crimes.
According to the DNA, the suspects acquired overpriced medical supplies and equipment during the year even though some materials did not even meet professional requirements, while others weren’t even needed by hospitals.
The alleged fraud entailed public procurement tenders being announced by the hospitals in question; the hospitals awarded the tenders to certain (pre-selected) companies and financed the contracts from public funds. In exchange, the hospital managers received various amounts of money from the companies that won the tenders, the DNA explained. Prosecutors have assessed that RON 1.6 million of public funds was misused; the sums promised or given to hospital managers varied between EUR 5,000 and EUR 89,000.
Title image: According to the DNA, the contracted companies were selected in pre-arranged tenders. Twelve suspects were taken into custody.
Source: ziarulevenimentul.ro
