Carlos Sánchez, in a statement, highlighted that discussions were held with Ana María Pérez and recalled the challenges of engaging in a market filled with deception where prepayments were a norm.
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 15 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Addressing the commission of inquiry at the Canary Islands Parliament, Carlos Sánchez, the CEO of ACJ, the primary supplier of medical supplies to the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS), affirmed on Monday that all medical provisions procured during the pandemic “arrived punctually and met the specified standards”, particularly during a period of intense turmoil in China.
He revealed that amidst the pandemic, his company finalised contracts amounting to over 17 million with the SCS, out of which 13.4 million were urgent contracts.
Detailed accounts showed that around 4.5 million was paid in advance for the initial shipment, with the company subsequently shouldering the operational risks, amid fluctuating market prices and crucial airlift conditions that determined the export of goods.
Sánchez pointed out that his company boasts nearly four decades of experience in the healthcare sector, with a presence in regions such as the Canary Islands, Senegal, Mauritania, and Barcelona. Before the pandemic, the company’s turnover was approximately 8 million, which later soared to 32 million during the crisis, eventually stabilising at just over 15 million.
He underlined the long-term relationship his company has cultivated with the Chinese market since 2009, showcasing their dedicated efforts to provide assistance during the pandemic by fulfilling contractual obligations with consistent commercial margins.
“Our aim was not to capitalise on the situation,” he expressed, reflecting on the challenging scenario where medical supplies were scarce, causing distress among healthcare professionals due to the shortage of essential protective gear.
As a noteworthy gesture, he mentioned that the initial mask consignment was sourced from Mauritania and donated to the SCS.
Sánchez elaborated on the extensive coordination efforts with key officials for material procurement, particularly crediting Ana María Pérez, former director of Economic Resources at the SCS, along with sporadic involvement from Vice Minister of the Presidency, Antonio Olivera, and current SCS Director Conrado Domínguez.
“All transactions were conducted in advance, despite various challenges,” he highlighted.
“We encountered unprecedented difficulties given the volatile nature of the market, plagued with deceitful practices by companies looking to exploit the crisis,” he remarked.
HIGH STAKES COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS
Highlighting the high-risk nature of commercial dealings, he cautioned the Canary Islands Government about potential perils, emphasising the urgency of swift transport to avoid supply chain disruptions.
Responding to queries about the involvement of non-specialised companies like RR7 United and Soluciones de Gestión in medical supply purchases, he acknowledged that it was an unusual scenario prompted by the crisis. He empathised with the SCS heads who were presented with mask offers amid the uncertainties prevailing during that turbulent period.
“Given the prevailing uncertainty, cooperation was based on trust and support for those who demonstrated compliance,” he articulated.
He also clarified that his company did not need contract adjustments for supplies, maintaining consistent commercial margins even as prices fluctuated.
Addressing a contested contract worth 795,000 Euros for procuring 50,000 PCR tests, he refuted claims of any misconduct, clarifying that the tests were sourced from Europe, not China. Furthermore, he declared that they have not received any legal notices from the Prosecutor’s Office or judicial authorities.
