Congress Investigating Pricey Deal With Ventilator Company

The transcript discusses a failed contract between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Philips for ventilators, as investigated by Pro Publica. The ventilators were never produced, leading to a new, more expensive deal. A Congressional subcommittee is investigating the matter, seeking documents from Philips, which is reviewing the inquiry.

What was the initial contract between the Department of Health and Human Services and Philips for?

• Cheap, portable ventilators for pandemics

• High-end commercial ventilators

• Medical masks and gloves

• Hospital beds

What did the Congressional subcommittee want to investigate?

• The quality of the ventilators

• The delivery time of the ventilators

• The location of Philips' headquarters

• The reason for the price increase in the new deal

What did Philips do instead of producing the contracted ventilators?

• Opened a new factory in the US

• Manufactured masks and gloves

• Produced commercial versions and sold them overseas

• Developed a new type of ventilator

How much did the Department of Health and Human Services agree to pay for each commercial ventilator in the new deal?

• $25,000

• $10,000

• $15,000

• $20,000

What was the response of Philips to the Congressional subcommittee's letter?

• They ignored the letter

• They refused to cooperate

• They expressed willingness to assist in the investigation

• They denied all allegations