An audit by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli revealed that nearly $452.8 million spent by New York state on medical equipment at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has largely gone to waste, with most items remaining unused in storage facilities. Of the 247,343 durable medical equipment items purchased, only three were distributed, and auditors found significant lapses in procurement processes and documentation. A recommendation to retain and service a small number of items was made, yet nearly 200,000 items lack clear plans for upkeep or distribution, signaling poor management and oversight.
The audit highlights a severe disconnect between procurement and actual needs, resulting in a significant oversupply of medical equipment that went unused.
State Comptroller DiNapoli's report revealed that the majority of the nearly half a billion dollars spent on medical equipment during the early pandemic resulted in items stagnating in storage.
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