Press Releases

Comptroller reveals irregularities in the purchase of a $772,400 mobile CT SCAN intended for Vieques that remains abandoned in Bayamón

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO August 13, 2026 The Comptroller of Puerto Rico, CPA and Attorney Carmen Vega Fournier, reported today investigation report OC-27-20 on the acquisition of a mobile computed tomography (CT Scan) medical unit, purchased by the Department of Health for $772,400. That specialized equipment, which was originally intended to provide urgently needed service to the residents of the Municipality of Vieques at its Diagnostic and Treatment Center (CDT), was placed without justification in the parking lot of the Ramón Ruiz Arnau University Hospital (HURRA) in Bayamón, where it remains unused, exposed to deterioration and without proper surveillance.

According to the investigation report, the acquisition process began on August 8, 2023, when the Department of Health issued the bid invitation to equip the Vieques CDT with a mobile CT Scan housed in a trailer. The quotation awarded to the company was for $965,500, which expressly included $22,500 in transportation costs and direct installation on the island municipality of Vieques. However, the investigation showed a lack of planning and prior inspection of the site.

In April 2024, measurements of the designated area in Vieques revealed that the available space was only 59 feet, while the trailer required a minimum of 67 clear feet, additionally making it impossible for the tow truck to maneuver.

“The absence of basic planning and the lack of adequate supervision not only deprived the people of Vieques of an essential service, but also exposed the property to risks of deterioration“, said the Comptroller.

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Despite it being known that the site in Vieques did not meet the required dimensions and that the construction of the new Health Center was still in an initial phase of development, the acquisition project committee authorized the purchase and the disbursements. After the trailer was received at the port of San Juan in July 2024, the administration decided to move it provisionally to the parking lot of the HURRA Hospital in Bayamón.

A physical inspection carried out by the auditors of the Office of the Comptroller on August 8, 2025 confirmed:

• Physical deterioration and lack of use: The CT scanner car remained exposed to the elements in the HURRA parking lot in Bayamón, showing clear signs of mold on its exterior after being inactive for 22 months.
• Lack of security and identification: The area lacked dedicated security, and the nearest security guard booth was deserted. Furthermore, the equipment did not have the official government-owned plaque.
• Administrative inaction: Minutes and communications analyzed up to September 2025 revealed a continued lack of response and diligence on the part of the Department of Health in completing technical inspections and determining the equipment's final location.

As a result of these actions, the Comptroller of Puerto Rico referred the investigation report to the Secretary of Justice to evaluate the possible violations of the laws and regulations in effect.

Likewise, it was recommended that the Secretary of Health adopt immediate corrective measures and take disciplinary or administrative action with respect to the officials involved.

Investigation report OC-27-20 is available at www.ocpr.gov.pr .