Caja Nacional de Salud official arrested in medical equipment probe

Authorities have arrested Margoth Arana A., a former official involved in the procurement commission for medical equipment at the Caja Nacional de Salud (CNS), as part of the ‘Tomógrafos case’. Arana is being investigated for alleged crimes including detrimental contracts to the State, anti-economic conduct, and breach of duties related to a procurement process valued at approximately Bs 43 million.

In a separate but related development involving CNS leadership, General Manager Walter Hoyos has demanded a formal retraction from Deputy Rolando Pacheco. Hoyos claims that Pacheco presented false evidence regarding allegations of illicit enrichment, specifically citing a non-existent bank account containing Bs 7.3 million. Hoyos asserts his actual balance is approximately Bs 8,900 and has given the legislator 48 hours to retract the statements.

The investigation into the medical equipment procurement continues, with prosecutors reviewing seized documentation and awaiting further testimony from CNS officials.