Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra affirmed that his Government will punish —in an exemplary way— those corrupt people who take advantage of the COVID-19 emergency and confirmed its clear message in
the fight against this scourge.
"We are going to be absolutely clear; this is a
Government that fights corruption, plus it firmly and categorically achieves such objective. If we come across any
corruption, in any of the procedures carried out to adequately confront the coronavirus, we will be the first to punish those responsible in an exemplary way," he expressed.
The top official referred to irregularities in the purchase of mechanical ventilators for
Ate Hospital. At first, the ventilators were being sent to Tacna, but the company got them back to resell them at a higher price due to the growing demand and need for them.
"That is not acceptable, and there are even Peruvians working in the company. They are not reliable and try to get extra gains or extra profit under these circumstances, that is unforgivable. I have told the
Health Minister to invalidate this purchase. We are not going to back commercial exploitation within an emergency in any way," he explained.
The President stressed that they are fully aware that prices for health-related goods rose due to high demand and that the Government is making every effort to get them, but buying something that was destined for another region —and overpriced— "is unacceptable and we will not allow it," the statesman emphasized.
On this occasion, the President was joined by members of the Council of Ministers. The event was held at the Government Palace in Lima.
Monday marked the twenty-ninth day of mandatory social isolation.
(END) RMB/MVB
Published: 4/14/2020