Drills Imported for Less Than $250,000 in 2023 Sold to Minsa Panama for $1.7 Million

On May 30, 2023, then-President Laurentino Cortizo (2019-2024) declared a “state of environmental emergency” due to the “prolonged drought” affecting the country.  To address the emergency, he set aside $35 million.  Drill equipment was imported from China to Panama by Construcciones y Remodelaciones Eurox, SA, at a cost less than $250,000.  The company sold all of this to Minsa Panama for just over $1.7 million.  Former Health Minister Luis Francisco signed the contract with Eurox on October 9, 2023 but the drills were not delivered until June 30, 2024.  This situation over overpayment of almost 1.5 million dollars is currently being investigated by the current government of President Mulino.