Former Laboratory Technician, Arvind Chandra has told the High Court that while Roche Pharmaceutical Company was regarded as one of the best suppliers in the market, he had raised concerns about whether Fiji could afford it's equipment.
Chandra who is a State witness, gave evidence in the health tender trial of former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former Health Minister Doctor Neil Sharma.
During cross-examination by defence lawyer Wylie Clarke on CTN 66/2011, which related to the tender for equipment for rural laboratories, Chandra says he raised concerns as Roche was supplying refurbished machines.
He agreed with the defence that he had a close working relationship with Dr Sharma, having worked with him for many years.
Chandra also told the court that he had carried out an audit of sub-divisional rural health centres, which revealed significant wastage of reagents required to operate laboratory machines.
According to Chandra, there were serious issues surrounding the procurement and wastage of reagents, resulting in inefficiencies within the laboratory system.
The trial will continue tomorrow.
The State is expected to finish their case tomorrow.
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.
