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Health Ministry moves to close procurement loopholes

Apr 25, 2018 News

Health officials have instituted a new procurement rule that requires a manufacturer’s authorization from suppliers of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.
According to senior officials at the Ministry of Public Health, the move is intended to close procurement loopholes in the current process that could result in ‘fake drugs’ entering the system.
“The change will fast track the procurement process and prevent the use of fake documentation to secure contracts from the Ministry,” according to a senior official.
Kaieteur News understands that previously, multiple suppliers would bid to provide a specific brand of product; however, with the new rule, the Ministry intends to only source from authorized suppliers.
Over the last several months, the Ministry has been bombarded with criticism from various quarters regarding the procurement of drugs and medical supplies.
In an effort to bring an aura of transparency and accountability to this matter going forward, the Ministry has established a Procurement Department.
According to the Ministry, one of the very important measure taken by the department to enhance the efficiency of the evaluation of bids and other due diligence process is now request for each familiar pharmaceutical and medical supplier to submit a recent manufacturer’s authorization offered to them.
A recent agreement is considered to be one, which is an original parchment of the manufacturer and is dated no earlier than six months to date.
These instruments of authorization must be submitted by May 25.
The Department now has the responsibility for the acquisition of drugs and medicines that meet prescribed safety and health standards at a cost effective price.
Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, is adamant that the Ministry has successfully corrected several errors. As a result, persons who will be attending health facilities will not be faced with shortages of this nature.
She urged that persons should not stay at home and listen to the negative comments that are being said whether it’s in the print media or otherwise and decide that they are not going to the health facilities for medical attention.
“They will turn up because their government with funds from the taxpayers have met our obligations to ensure that the necessary supplies and drugs are available and for the various facilities,” Minister Lawrence said.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Colette Adams, has shared that there are 13 persons in the procurement unit who are assigned to do specific tasks, ensuring that from the process of request to the process of delivery, all the logistics are put in place.

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