Summary

SAI Ecuador conducted an audit of the procurement of pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices for patients with rare and orphan diseases during the period from July 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022. The audit revealed discrepancies between the quantity of medications received by patients and those held in warehouse and pharmacies. According to the auditors, there was a lack of strict control over the receipt and dispensing of medicines. Furthermore, 100 units of the drug Rituximab* were procured without the legally established grounds. The drug Trastuzumab, intended for breast cancer patients, was delivered in violation of contractual deadlines, thereby jeopardizing the continuity of treatment. Auditors also identified a failure to conduct conformity checks of medical devices against technical specifications, which led to the storage of falsified medical devices. The audit also showed that after the unilateral termination of one contract, the supplier was not entered into the register of non-compliant or disreputable suppliers, and no complaint was filed with the public prosecutor's office regarding the supply of falsified medicines. SAI Ecuador issued a ruling holding 68 employees from 13 hospitals within the Ministry of Public Health (Ministerio de Salud Pública) administratively and fiscally liable in connection with financial irregularities amounting to USD 11 658 502. __________________________________________ *Rituximab is an antineoplastic (anti-tumor) and immunomodulatory agent.