Unmasking the Scandal
Six mid-level employees were terminated without employer responsibility by the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) due to the irregular purchase of 12 million face masks, worth $4 million. These transactions involved a public accountant and a political communication company owned by a Spanish journalist.
The People Behind the Act
The employees, including two Logistics Management advisors, three individuals in head positions, and one analyst, were found guilty of misconduct ranging from a lack of probity, internal controls, improper intervention in the procurement process, and even document tampering. These findings were the result of an administrative investigation initiated after a report exposed the contractors were added to the CCSS supplier registry hours before the bid started, lacking experience and technical requirements compliance.
Deeper Issues Unveiled
Not only were the procurement processes manipulated, but the accountant and journalist also failed partially and entirely in their delivery commitments. This failure jeopardized mask supply precisely when medical centers were facing critical moments in pandemic care. Records from the board meeting reveal the names of the employees, all of whom have been notified of their termination and are awaiting a conciliation hearing.
Further Investigations Pending
If conciliation is unsuccessful, the matter will be handed over to the Labor Relations Board for further review and recommendations, which the Board of Directors is not obligated to follow. Currently, CCSS is processing two more disciplinary files related to the seemingly irregular purchase of face masks, the details of which remain unknown.
Unveiling Connections and Future Implications
Details have surfaced showing a connection between one of the terminated employees and one of the contractors, revealing potential biases and conflicts of interest in the procurement process. With millions at stake, the entire process has been under scrutiny, raising red flags and leading to necessary interventions and termination of the involved parties.
