Ukraine launches vaccines embezzlement enquiry after health minister's dismissal
This article was originally published in Scrip
Executive Summary
Newly disclosed evidence on procurement malpractice within Ukraine's health ministry has resulted in the general prosecutor's office (GPO) launching criminal enquiry into the state purchase of vaccines in 2009. Building on the auditing work of three US firms which presented their report to the Ukrainian government in October 2010 (scripintelligence.com, 1 November 2010), the GPO says it is looking into possible embezzlement of Hr50 million ($6.2 million) from the state budget through overpayment for vaccines. The prosecutor's office has requested the ministry of internal affairs to proceed with the investigation.