Presidency VP resigns  after ventilator pricing storm

The anticipated resignation  of Vice Minister  of the  Presidency   Carlos Muñoz in the center of the overpriced ventilator scandal  was accepted by President Laurentino Cortizo on Monday 

On Saturday at the press conference presenting  epidemiological reports, Muñoz struggled to explain his purchase of 100 fans for $5.2 million which critics considered exorbitant,

The now-former official said that respirators had become a necessity for the coronavirus pandemic and that prices had increased and they were not easy to acquire them and they were needed in 10 days from the time he signed the order.

Muñoz  later reported that the supplier, Muriba Company Inc., withdrew the offer due to “world demand.”

That afternoon, the Public Ministry anti-corruption office reported that an investigation had been opened. After complaints of alleged excessive prices for the 100 ventilators at a cost of $ 48,950 each.

Muñoz was appointed on December 2  replacing, who was moved to focus on projects related to Line 3 of the Panama Metro and Tocumen International Airport.

The pricing controversy arose after the digital medium Foco announced that the unit price of this purchase was $48,950, when in the market but they can be purchased at $6,900.

In a statement before the heat was turned on the Presidency said that respirators are a commodity with the highest demand worldwide. Portable respirator has gone from costing $ 6,000 and 10,000 to $ 25,000 and $ 30,000.

“Panama asked for a faster delivery time of 10 business days. The company agrees to deliver at those times at a cost of $ 48,950 per respirator. We are in a time of war that requires these actions.” said the statement.