The South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) is tasked with managing and supervising the delivery of public health services across the southeastern parishes of Jamaica. Among the facilities under its jurisdiction is the Bustamante Hospital for Children, recognized as Jamaica’s national pediatric referral hospital. The Bustamante Hospital for Children requires essential medical equipment and supplies to ensure it operates efficiently and is able to meet the healthcare needs of children islandwide. The availability and proper functioning of these resources are critical to providing quality care and maintaining effective hospital operations.

In response to stakeholder allegations, complaints and concerns regarding the procurement of a neurosurgical Drill for the Bustamante Hospital for Children by the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA), a preliminary assessment was undertaken to evaluate the credibility of the claims and to determine whether there was sufficient justification to initiate a formal audit. The special audit was subsequently commissioned to determine whether the procurement and contracts management practices accorded with the applicable laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines governing public procurement in Jamaica, to attain value for money. The audit will further assess whether adequate procurement planning, due diligence, and evaluation procedures were applied, and whether the decision-making process underpinning the selection of the supplier and the equipment procured was properly documented, supported, and justified.

We value your relevant comments to this audit, which may be communicated by completing the relevant fields on our feedback form or by emailing us at [email protected]. Please note that due to the volume of information received, we may not be able to respond directly; however, we thank you in advance for your contribution.