Questions have been raised about possible conflicts of interest over Dr Maryam Abdool-Richards’ dual roles at the Ministry of Health and NIPDEC.
During today’s Public Administration and Appropriations Committee inquiry into pharmaceuticals, committee member Minister Saddam Hosein questioned Dr Abdool-Richards about serving simultaneously as Principal Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health and Chairman of NIPDEC.
When asked if this affected her oversight of pharmaceutical procurement and drug shortages, Dr Abdool-Richards said she recused herself from related discussions.
She did however confirm that conflict-of-interest concerns were raised within NIPDEC.
She said the board sought an external legal opinion from attorney Ravi Nanga, who determined that there was no conflict.
However Minister Hosein noted that Mr Nanga was also a political appointee, serving as Chairman of WASA at the time the opinion was provided.
