SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 8 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The rector of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and spokesperson for the expert panel during the Covid-19 pandemic, Lluís Serra, has dismissed claims that the panel ever deliberated on the possibility of engaging a particular company for medical supplies: “No such discussions or information sessions took place.”
During his testimony before the Commission of Inquiry of the Parliament of the Canary Islands regarding the procurement of medical supplies, especially masks, Lluís Serra also rejected assertions that the panel members were provided with official documentation on the subject or discussed the need to formalise any contracts as suggested by state authorities. He also confirmed that there was no consideration of the documentation and samples of the proposed medical supplies by various companies for their evaluation. “We were never involved in that process,” he stated.
Serra clarified that during the 48 meetings of the expert panel, the most recent in January 2022, no evaluation was made regarding the quality of the supplies brought to the Canary Islands by the contracted companies. He emphasised that the panel did not have the authority to reject the engagement of any specific company.
According to Serra, the panel was never presented with financial documentation or reports associated with the contracts to be finalised, and there were no discussions regarding the logistical challenges of shipments that did not reach the Canary Islands, such as the case of company RR7. “Our only source of information was the media,” the rector highlighted.
“MOMENTS OF UNCERTAINTY, FEAR AND DESPAIR”
When called to serve on the Covid-19 scientific committee, Lluís Serra described it as a “period of uncertainty, fear, and despair,” expressing that he accepted the responsibility knowing the complexities involved and the sacrifice of personal time and research commitments. He took on the role out of dedication and accountability, stepping out of his comfort zone once again.
Serra recalled that the committee was established on March 25, 2020, as an advisory body without executive powers. In its 48 sessions, 33 between March and July 2020 and the last one on January 14, 2022, the committee analysed the epidemiological situation, proposed recommendations, and advised on policy decisions, many of which were groundbreaking nationally and acclaimed by experts globally. These included the de-escalation plan and the introduction of bubble groups in the educational system.
He highlighted the minimal impact of Covid-19 on the Canary Islands population compared to other regions, crediting the committee’s efforts. Serving as the committee’s spokesperson, Lluís Serra mentioned the significant role the media played in conveying recommendations and alleviating widespread fear during the initial pandemic outbreak.
Serra emphasised the long hours of work put in by committee members and the involvement of experts and health officials to enhance decision-making and effectiveness. He acknowledged the complexity and critical nature of the committee’s decisions in preventing major outbreaks and facilitating social interactions among residents.
Concluding, he underscored that the committee’s altruistic efforts were a rewarding and challenging experience, serving society and institutions without any financial compensation.
Beatriz González, a Health Economics specialist and committee member, echoed Serra’s statements, affirming that there were no discussions about specific company engagements and decisions were based solely on scientific criteria.
González commended the pandemic-induced surge in scientific advancements and expressed pride in contributing voluntarily.
She credited José Julián Isturiz from the Canary Islands Government for facilitating her involvement, noting the supportive atmosphere within the committee.
González praised the municipality-based pandemic management dashboard, crucial in preventing ICU overloads experienced in other areas.
“IT WAS CHALLENGING TO ENFORCE HOME CONFINEMENT”
Acknowledging the difficulty of enforcing home confinement, Serra defended the island’s de-escalation model, later adopted nationally, and highlighted successful initiatives such as reopening schools and mandatory testing for travel to the Canary Islands.
He revealed that decisions within the committee were not subjected to voting but were deliberations aimed at providing advice to the government, which included taking non-official notes.
Regarding Conrado Domínguez’s presence in the health management committee, he expressed no surprise, citing Domínguez’s managerial experience in the SCS.
He noted the chaotic global medical supplies market, where containers changed destinations for monetary gains, justifying the relaxation of public procurement regulations to prevent exploitation for profit.
