Health Minister directs for floating tenders for essential drugs and CT scan machines

Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil chaired a special high power committee meeting with the officials of Himachal Pradesh Medical Services Corporation Ltd. here today to discuss on improving the state’s healthcare infrastructure through transparent procurement of quality medicines, medical consumables and equipment.

The Health Minister emphasized the need to meet the growing demand for essential drugs and surgical items. He directed the officials to float the tenders for 888 essential medicines and drugs, as well as 273 medical consumables and surgical items to address the demand received from various health institutions. These tenders would ensure the procurement of high-quality medical supplies to cater to the needs of hospitals and healthcare institutions across the state.

Dr Shandil said that approval had been given for floating tenders for the purchase of CT scan machines for zonal, civil, and regional hospitals and these machines would be procured under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. With this purchase, as many as 34 health institutions throughout the state would soon be equipped with these advanced diagnostic machines.

Additionally, the Health Minister said the formalities for purchase of Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre (ICTC) vans, aimed at enhancing HIV testing and counselling services had also been completed. These mobile units would provide testing and counselling services to the general population, high-risk groups (HRGs), industrial areas and prisons and would improve public access to critical healthcare services.

To ensure cost-efficiency and transparency, directions were issued to float e-tenders on a rate contract basis, rather than opting for one-time purchase of machinery and equipment valued at up to rupees one lakh. This change in approach would enhance the procurement process, especially for items costing less than Rs. 11,000 thereby ensuring a fair and competitive selection of suppliers.

He said that this initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the availability of high-quality medical supplies at affordable rates to the common masses through a transparent and efficient procurement process.

Secretary Health M. Sudha Devi, Director Health Dr. P.C. Daroch, Managing Director of National Health Mission Priyanka Verma and other senior officials from the Health department attended the meeting.