NY Health Dept. Swindled In Chinese Medical Gear Deal: Report

New York City NY

24 February, 2021

9:45 AM

Description

NEW YORK CITY — New York officials got cheated out of "millions" in taxpayer money in their rush to buy medical supplies from China as the coronavirus pandemic first struck, according to a new report. The New York Post reported Wednesday that the state hired a Hong Kong-based law firm for $125,000 in a bid to recoup the lost cash. Details about exactly how much money was lost or on what supplies weren't in the Post's report. But a governor's office spokesperson confirmed the law firm would help recover state funds related to procurement. "The contract was just approved and papers will be filed soon, and we'll reserve further comment until then," Rich Azzopardi told the Post. The report comes amid renewed scrutiny over Gov. Andrew Cuomo's emergency powers granted amid the pandemic. Several lawmakers have argued the powers should be revoked over his handling of nursing home deaths, among other reasons. Read the full New York Post report here.