Dr Waqainabete tells Prof Prasad not to talk out of thin air after Prasad claims that almost 15-20% is wasted in govt expenses every year

Minister for Health, Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete has told National Federation Party Leader, Professor Biman Prasad to come to parliament with evidence and not to talk out of thin air after Prasad claimed that he has analysed that the government wastes almost 15 to 20% of the budgeted expenditure every year.

While speaking on the Examination of Audit Reports of Government Ministries and Departments for the year ended 31st July 2016, Professor Prasad raised the question on whether we have the ideal size of government that is being run as he claims his calculation and analysis based on audit reports over the past years shows wastage of somewhere between 15 to 20%.

Professor Prasad says the government should set up a commission to look at government expenditure over the last 5 national budgets to see the level of wastage and whether it is producing the desired outcomes.

Doctor Waqainabete says Professor Prasad has presented no evidence to back his claim.

He also says many steps have been taken in the Health Ministry, they are strengthening accounting systems working with the Ministry of Economy and finding the right people to take important roles to look after the Ministry’s budget.

Doctor Waqainabete says the new Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong is also doing a great job after being appointed through the Open Merit Recruitment System.

He also says the new supply chain digital system has been launched for medicines.

Doctor Waqainabete says they have also been assured by the Australians that the efficiency of the system is expected to increase by 15 to 20%.