Government rushing projects leaving Varela to carry can

FEARS continue to grow that the outgoing Panama administration is fast tracking purchasing events and legislation leaving the incoming government to carry the can.

After being officially declared President-elect on May 7 Juan Carlos Varela said: “I ask the outgoing government during this period of transition. to avoid passing unnecessary issues that will need to be revoked."

Although it was a request, when made in presence of members of the National Election Board it was seen as a warning, but President Ricardo Martinelli has called an extraordinary session of the National Assembly to rush through over a score of CD inspired legislative items
Meanwhile Health Minister, Javier Diaz, does not seems to be following reports La Prensa and The Ministry of Health (MoH) has tendered the purchase of 159 ambulances at a cost of $ 40 million, which he incoming government will have to pay.
It is another "turnkey” deal that includes the design, management and provision of a comprehensive ambulance service to transport stable patients or in critical condition in the country, a service already provided by the Single System of Emergency Management ( Sume 911).
This is the second time in less than a year, which aims to realize the Diaz transaction. In July 2013, the minister called a tender for $33.7 for 163 ambulances.
The project was canceled when Abigail Benzadón, head of the National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information, warned about the lack of controls in the purchase.
Benzadón demanded the MoH standardize ambulance purchases , imposing international standards required by the KKK -A- 1822F rule, which began as a purchase specification generated by the Federal General Services Administration of the United States .
This observation was again omitted in this new tender, and Benzadón believes that this new public act must be “extended or canceled," reports La Prensa.