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Modular operating theaters paid for with millions not even started, prosecutor confirms
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Crime & Justice

Modular operating theaters paid for with millions not even started, prosecutor confirms

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • A prosecutor confirmed that modular operating theaters, paid for with millions, have not even been started at the Central Hospital.
  • The estimated damage from the project's paralysis is G. 61 billion, with the investigation now focusing on the responsibility of the institute's board members.
  • The company Neighpart SA reportedly received over G. 35 billion for the non-existent operating theaters.

Prosecutor Julio Ortiz has confirmed that modular operating theaters, contracted to Neighpart SA, do not exist in practice at the Central Hospital, despite the Institute of Social Security (IPS) having already disbursed substantial amounts. The estimated financial damage from the stalled project is G. 61 billion, and the investigation is now examining the accountability of the IPS board members.

Based on this constitution, what is corroborated is that the modular operating theater, which the company Neighpart SA acquired through bidding, is not finished, nor has it even been started.

— Julio OrtizConfirming the non-existence of the contracted operating theaters after an inspection.

Ortiz led a prosecutor's inspection of the hospital's construction sites and storage areas related to the modular operating theater project. He stated that photographs were taken to identify discrepancies with the reception records. "Based on this constitution, what is corroborated is that the modular operating theater, which the company Neighpart SA acquired through bidding, is not finished, nor has it even been started," Ortiz explained.

The company claims to have received over G. 35 billion, presenting documents for products that allegedly complete this amount. Ortiz plans to forward these documents to the IPS for verification. The investigation is also scrutinizing the role of board members, with one councilor, Carlos Pereira, scheduled to testify regarding his participation in the bidding process and related addenda.

The company presented a document stating they received more than 35 billion guaranies. They pointed to simple copy documents of the receptions they made.

— Julio OrtizReporting the company's claim regarding payments received.

"This is just beginning and can be expanded. What will not happen is to go back or shrink. For now, the nine [board members] remain latent because they have their share of responsibility," Ortiz concluded, indicating that the inquiry is ongoing and may involve further expansion. The case involves former IPS presidents Vicente Bataglia and Jorge Brítez, along with other officials.

This is just beginning and can be expanded. What will not happen is to go back or shrink. For now, the nine [board members] remain latent because they have their share of responsibility.

— Julio OrtizDescribing the ongoing nature and potential expansion of the investigation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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