New tender procedure to halt drug shortage

Nadira Gunatilleke

The Health Ministry will implement a speedy corruption and malpractices free drug tender procedure from next month. Health officials are being trained in dealing with the new system, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said.

He said certain parties were threatening against implementing this new tender procedure which minimises corruption and malpractice while ensuring an uninterrupted drug supply. “After implementing the new tender procedure, patients will not suffer due to drug shortages. It also saves funds spent on buying drugs, surgical and laboratory items,” Minister Sirisena said.

He said the Health Ministry purchases over 24,000 drugs, surgical and laboratory items and some are not required for hospitals and other medical institutions.