MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Audit found that medical equipment worth P39.27 million were unutilized in various hospitals in Ilocos Norte.
At least 11 unutilized equipment were found at the Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital, including three infant ventilators worth P21.255 million, a bacterial identification and susceptibility machine costing P5.4 million, a P2.15-million microscope, an operating table, a blood test self-analyzer, and four Department of Health-donated dialysis machines valued at P6.58 million.
COA reminded the Ilocos Norte provincial government that ensuring resources are utilized and protected against wastage is required under the Government Auditing Code of the Philippines. “Additionally, the longer these expensive medical equipment [are] left idle, the greater the risk of obsolescence and future breakdown due to deterioration,” COA said.