Press Releases

Comptroller reports deficiencies in the recording, custody and use of computer and telemedicine equipment at the Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico — (June 30, 2026) CPA and Attorney Carmen Vega Fournier, Comptroller of Puerto Rico, reported today the results of an audit of the Medical Sciences Campus (RCM) of the University of Puerto Rico, focused on the processes of purchase, recording, distribution, custody and use of computer and telemedicine equipment. The audit covered the period from January 1, 2020 to April 7, 2025 and its objective was to examine compliance with the applicable laws and regulations.

The audit work revealed three findings that led the Office of the Comptroller to issue a qualified opinion, indicating that, although most of the operations were carried out in accordance with the regulations, there are material situations that require attention.

The report details that 10 pieces of equipment, valued at 159,379, could not be located during the inspections carried out. In addition, inconsistencies were identified between the locations recorded in the Fixed Assets module of the Administrative Information System and those observed physically, as well as equipment without custodian information or with incorrectly assigned custodians. The examination also showed that twelve pieces of equipment transferred to external entities continued to appear in the RCM’s inventory and that 144 former employees still had property assigned to them, even years after having ceased their duties. These situations constitute non-compliance with Policy TI-PRITS-005 and with the Regulation for the Control of Movable Property of the UPR, increasing the risk of loss and improper use.

The audit also revealed that 40 pieces of equipment (39 computers) and one (1) telemedicine unit, acquired for 75,558 as part of initiatives to address the COVID-19 pandemic, remained in storage unused. During the inspection of February 5, 2025, it was found that the laptops, tablets, desktop units and a telemedicine unit (ViewPoint Cart) were being kept stored in boxes.
The property was in an office that had no electrical service, was in disarray and had broken ceiling panels, conditions that represent a risk of damage, loss and obsolescence of the equipment.

The report also revealed shortcomings in the approval process for releases of responsibility for employees who ceased their duties. The examination of the Release of Responsibility System showed requests left unapproved for periods ranging between 887
and 1,454 days. Likewise, late approvals of up to 987 days were documented, as well as cases in which property remained recorded under former employees whose releases remained pending. These shortcomings fail to comply with the Procedures Manual for Release of Responsibility and compromise the integrity and reliability of the property records.

In addition, RCM management informed the auditors that they have begun to correct some of the situations noted, including updates to the Fixed Assets module, relocation of stored equipment and the initiation of internal review processes. Nevertheless, the OCPR determined that the findings stand and require more decisive action.

The Office recommended that the President of the UPR and the Chancellor of the Campus adopt the corrective measures necessary to:

• Update the inventory and correct the deficiencies in the Fixed Assets module.

• Identify and locate the equipment not found during the audit.

• Strengthen internal controls and compliance with the release of responsibility processes.

• Evaluate the possibility of redistributing the telemedicine equipment, including alternatives with federal programs or health units.

The Comptroller urged the RCM’s personnel “to reinforce their controls, ensure the proper use of public resources and comply rigorously with the applicable regulations. She likewise reiterated the importance of strengthening property recording and custody systems, especially in entities dedicated to serving and training health professionals”.

Audit Report OC-26-52 is available at www.ocpr.gov.pr.