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The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of Puerto Rico has identified significant issues in the contracting services and management of federal funds within the Department of Health. Notably, there was an overbilling totaling $83,003 between 2021 and 2023.
The report, published Monday, revealed that a company contracted by the agency overcharged by $51,315 through two contracts in 2022. In 2023, this company billed an additional $5,876 and received $25,812 for services provided without a valid contract.
According to the OIG, these deficiencies may represent breaches in internal controls, as invoices were certified and processed without meeting regulatory requirements. Irregularities were also discovered in the Unique Registry of Professionals (RUP), with discrepancies noted between the employer’s Social Security number on the contract and the one officially registered.
The analysis indicated that, despite contracts specifying payment with local funds, at least $31,679 was paid using federal funds. Additionally, $57,609 was identified in equipment and materials purchases not covered by the contracts, along with 60 invoices containing incomplete or defective information.
The OIG pointed out that the contracted services were provided in facilities not included in the agreements, which adversely affected the operations of the Department of Health’s Central Office at the San Juan Medical Center. The affected facilities include those in Adjuntas, Arecibo, Río Grande, Rincón, Cataño, and Ponce.
The OIG has recommended that the agency address these deficiencies, enhance internal controls, and implement more rigorous processes for contracting, billing, and the use of federal funds. The Department of Health is required to report the corrective actions taken.
