The former Director of Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services, Apolosi Vosanibola confirmed in court today that he signed a letter to the Director of the Fiji Procurement Office to rectify the recommendation of suppliers for the purchase of rural laboratory equipment.
The Tender Evaluation Committee had recommended Roche Diagnostics but Hospineer was recommended.
Vosanibola took the stand in the health tender trial of former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former Health Minister Dr Neil Sharma.
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Laisani Tabuakuro asked why he signed the letter when he was not aware of its contents.
Vosanibola says Dr Sharma had advised him to sign the letter.
He says he questioned the contents of the letter in his mind, but signed it as the instruction had come from the headquarters.
The former Director also told the court that the owner of Hospital Engineering & Consultancy Ltd, also known as Hospineer, had sent him an email on July 19th, 2011 regarding the equipment plans.
He says Dr Sharma was also copied in the email.
Vosanibola further says this was during the tender process, but he was not sure of the reason for the email.
He also told the court that following the closure of the tender, the bidders were not allowed to communicate with the FPBS Office.
The trial continues.
Bainimarama is charged with one count of abuse of office.
Sayed-Khaiyum is charged with one count of abuse of office and one count of obstructing the course of justice.
Doctor Sharma is charged with two counts of abuse of office and two counts of breach of trust by a person employed in the public service.
Former FPBS Director says Dr Sharma instructed him to sign revised supplier recommendation letter
