War-hit Kyiv hospital is scrutinised over reconstruction effort

War-hit Kyiv hospital is scrutinised over reconstruction /Reuters Reuters

Reuters | August 16, 2024 | 12:51 PM IST | World | Follow on Google News

War-hit Kyiv hospital is scrutinised over reconstruction effort

War-hit Kyiv hospital is scrutinised over reconstruction effort

KYIV, Aug 16 (Reuters) – After a Russian missile tore through Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital last month, fundraiser Yevhen Vember sprang into action, marshalling more than $9 million for speedy repairs.

Soon, however, a tender for construction work at the Okhmatdyt hospital in Kyiv that his organisation held was cancelled after an investigative report by a prominent journalist suggested the contest had been rigged, sparking an outcry.

In an interview with Reuters, Vember denied wrongdoing. He said the Okhmatdyt charity fund he leads held the tender in order to be transparent and had hired outside legal and technical experts to vet and recommend potential winners for the hospital to choose from.

No money had been spent but the episode is another sign of growing public intolerance for perceived corruption in Ukraine amid a 30-month-old Russian invasion that is sapping lives and resources.

It also highlights the level of scrutiny that will likely accompany donor-funded reconstruction projects as Ukraine seeks to rebuild from the war.

Health Minister Viktor Lyashko said he had asked police to review the hospital tender for signs of illegal activity. No investigations have been announced yet or charges brought.

Lyashko also announced a new tender would take place, and tightened oversight, though the delay could mean work will not be completed before winter.

The July 8 strike on Okhmatdyt, which killed two, shocked the nation with images of wounded children fleeing the scene and bloodied doctors digging through debris.

Donations flowed in from ordinary Ukrainians and some of the country’s top businesses, including to Vember’s charity, which has raised critical funds for vulnerable children since early in the war.

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The private tender to rebuild a damaged smaller building at the hospital appeared encouraging because it made public the 14 companies that bid, said reporter Yuriy Nikolov, of the online outlet Nashi Hroshi (Our Money), which investigates suspected graft.

But he said he was concerned when the winner, announced by the hospital on July 31 with a cost estimate of around $7 million, was a firm with few reported resources and the third-highest estimate. He said he believes it was chosen over worthier bids in a closed-door process.

A day later, Nikolov published a story questioning the move. He did not allege specific criminal wrongdoing.

Lyashko, the health minister, announced the next day the tender would be cancelled after an outburst of public criticism, including from influential figures.

Reuters