Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed, has leveled serious allegations of corruption against the Region Three Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Fiaz Hassan.

Mohamed has accused the Regional Health Officer of having direct links to three companies that have been supplying the Region with millions of dollars in drugs and medical supplies.

When contacted by News Source this morning regarding the allegations, Dr. Hassan declined to comment. “I can’t comment at this time,” the RHO would only say.

It is alleged that the three companies – Premier Precision Builders and Services, Harris Investment, and ACE Plus Services – are directly linked to the Regional Health Officer’s wife, sister and brother-in-law.

Presenting a number of requisition documents dating back to 2025, the Opposition Leader said the companies have been contracted to supply millions of dollars in drugs and medical supplies to the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

“These companies have supplied more than $125 million in drugs, medical supplies and capital orders from November when he took orders to present – a position granted as a reward for openly supporting the PPP/C at the last elections,” Mohamed said.

It is alleged that there are multiple instances where the prices for certain items procured from the companies, were inflated.

“Here 2000 disposable bed sheets, $600 for one. Can you believe that – $600 for a disposable bed sheet, totaling $1.2 million – the company Premier Precision Builders and Services. Now online, you can get 200 pieces for US$57. The bank, the exchange rate is $220. So, $57 multiply by $220, you get a total of $12,540 divided by 200 pieces will bring us to a total of $63 for one. Let’s say you pay your taxes and your freight, round it off to even a $100. So, look at the difference, $100 for one, compared to $600 for one – that’s 500% mark. This is ridiculous,” the Opposition Leader reasoned as he cited an example.

According to the Opposition Leader, the serious allegation of corruption includes multi-million payments for drugs and medical supplies not delivered.

“We are told that Dr Hassan, sometimes, gets paid for goods the companies do not deliver. This is why sometimes when you visit the hospitals and health centers in Region Three there are a shortage of basic medications despite millions spent,” the Opposition Leader said.

Mohamed said while nurses, doctors and other medical personnel within the Health Sector continue to receive meager salaries, the Region Three RHO, who has oversight over the procurement process at the level of the district, is allegedly abusing his powers.

The Opposition Leader said the allegations warrant the dismissal of the RHO, and a thorough investigation into the procurement process in the Region, particularly in the Health Sector.

Weighing in on the issue, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul, who sat on the last Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC), said the allegations against the RHO “are deeply serious and demand immediate and decisive action.”

He explained that the RHO not only serves as Head of the Health Delivery Programme but also as the region’s chief medical advisor to the Regional Executive Officer – a position that requires the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability.

“Abusing the three-quote procurement system by directing contracts to companies tied to family members as close as his wife and brother-in-law is a gross betrayal of public trust. When public funds are exploited through inflated pricing, it is the taxpayers who are deliberately robbed, and such conduct cannot be dismissed as mere administrative misconduct. It points to corruption, abuse of office, and public malfeasance,” MP Mahipaul said.

Stating that the people of Guyana deserve “answers, accountability and consequences,” MP Mahipaul called on the President, Irfaan Ali, the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand; and the Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony to take action, adding that they have a responsibility to ensure that no public official is above scrutiny.

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