Belize PM orders investigation into corruption at hospital

Prime Minister Barrow had promised, during a sitting of parliament last Friday when Briceño brought up the allegations of corruption at KHMH, that the matter would be investigated.(Photo: sanpedrosun.net)

BELMOPAN, Belize, June 22, 2009 – The Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow has ordered an investigation into allegations of corruption in the procurement of supplies at the country’s flagship healthcare provider, Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH).

He said he has commissioned a team to begin the probe into the claims made by Opposition Leader John Briceño that inflated prices are being paid for medical supplies that could have been acquired at far cheaper prices.

A preliminary report on the findings is expected by the end of this week.

“This team will continue with a comprehensive audit and investigation but, in the meantime, the Prime Minister views this matter as extremely urgent and, therefore, requires an urgent response,” a release from the government said.

The team of auditors began its work today. It comprises the Financial Officer from the Ministry of Finance, and two senior auditors from the Auditor General’s Department.

Prime Minister Barrow had promised, during a sitting of parliament last Friday when Briceño brought up the allegations of corruption at KHMH, that the matter would be investigated.

He said if the Opposition’s contentions were, in fact, accurate “heads would have to roll”.