Health minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has expressed satisfaction with the procurement process for a $31 m neurosurgical drill for the Bustamante Hospital for Children.

His statement follows calls by his opposition counterpart Dr. Alfred Dawes for the Auditor General to probe the procurement process.

Dr. Dawes also appealed for the South East Regional Health Authority and the health ministry to publicly confirm whether due diligence was exercised in awarding the contract.

The opposition spokesman claims that the equipment is not new and that the purchase price was around $250,000.

Medical Technologies Limited, which played a part in acquiring the drill, said both claims are false.

However, Dr. Dawes is calling for the necessary documents to be provided and has criticised the health ministry’s procurement system.

Speaking with reporters recently, Dr. Tufton said is he comfortable that the process was followed.