Andalusian Health Services Report Exposes Abuse of Emergency Contracts by Moreno's Government
A recent report from the Andalusian Health Services Intervention has revealed that the government of Juanma Moreno misused the emergency contracting system in 2021, even as the effects of the pandemic had visibly eased and the special legal framework facilitating such contracts had been revoked. This troubling practice reportedly led to an estimated allocation of 300 million euros directly to private companies, which is in breach of the Public Contracts Law.
As reported by elDiarioes, the auditors from the Andalusian Health Service (SAS) have illustrated a significant problem in the administration's practices during the fiscal year 2021. Their document details the improper use of emergency contracts that amounted to a staggering 296.3 million euros in 3,669 contracts specifically targeting private clinics and other services linked to the health sector.
It is emphasized that by May 2021, the pandemic had sufficiently tempered, diminishing the justification for the continuous employment of these emergency contracts. The SAS found that the government's ongoing reliance on direct awards flouted directives from both the Advisory Board on Public Procurement of the State and the Andalusian Treasury, which had previously cautioned that the use of emergency contracts should be rare and exceptional.
The auditing body’s unfavorable report criticizes the decision-making process of the Andalusian government for continuing direct awards beyond their necessity. They condemned the lack of competitive bidding and oversight, deeming the actions as inappropriate given the removal of specific legal allowances for emergency contracting that were initially granted during the peak crisis of 2020.
Moreover, the report challenges the SAS management's argument that the local regulations still offered a valid basis for using emergency contracting systems post-repeal of the state laws. The auditors firmly counter this claim, stating that the prevailing conditions at that time did not warrant the extraordinary measures previously justified in a crisis.
In response to the report's findings, the opposition party PSOE has voiced strong condemnation. They characterized the allocation of nearly 300 million euros as unjustifiable and have pointed out ongoing difficulty in obtaining thorough explanations from the government regarding these controversial contracts. They claim that Juanma Moreno has stifled all forms of investigation committees to evade accountability to the public.
This scrutiny comes on the heels of high-profile resignations within the Health Department, including the Deputy Minister of Health and the manager of the Andalusian Health Service, raising further alarm about governance and transparency issues in the health administration.
Particularly concerning is the revelation that the misuse of public funds is not confined to Andalusia alone; similar patterns have been observed in other regions under the leadership of the Popular Party (PP). It draws a parallel with Madrid's administration led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, where over 2 billion euros were reportedly paid to suppliers without appropriate contracts.
As the political implications of the report unfold, it exacerbates the scrutiny surrounding the Moreno administration’s handling of public contracts and health management during the still-recent health crisis. The repercussions of this report may have lasting effects on public trust and the political landscape in Andalusia as calls for accountability grow louder.
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