In 2016, Region Three only spent $86 million of $339.6 million allocated for drugs and medical services, bringing into question whether the region was ever really in need of the money in the first place.
At a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing on Monday, parliamentarians heard that $339.649 million was budgeted for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies for the region, with the first warrant being issued on July 22nd, 2016 for $221.088 million. $86.181 million of that amount was expended.
The Region Three Regional Health Officer (RHO) Ravendra Dudhnath told the committee that there was a shortage of drugs in the region at some point, but stated that it was only because of delivery issues.