Govt. green lights over Rs. 5.5 b healthcare procurements

• Includes international and local bidding processes, covering essential antibiotics, cancer treatment drugs, surgical gauze and vital blood plasma solutions

The Government this week approved four major healthcare supply procurements with a total of Rs. 5,514 million, ensuring the availability of critical medicines and medical supplies across State hospitals.

These decisions were made during the Cabinet of Ministers meeting on Tuesday (1), following international and local bidding processes, covering essential antibiotics, cancer treatment drugs, surgical gauze, and vital blood plasma solutions.

Addressing the media at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting, Cabinet Spokesman and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasised that these procurements were carried out based on the recommendation of the higher level standing procurement committee through a transparent international competitive bidding process, ensuring cost-effective, high-quality medical supplies.

To address the continuous demand for the 20% Human Albumin Solution, used in treating hypovolemia and low blood albumin levels, he said the Cabinet awarded the supply contract for 340,000 bottles (50ml each) to Reliance Life Science Ltd., India.

 “The company submitted the lowest substantially responsive bid, out of two bidders securing the procurement for $ 9.35 million or Rs. 2,805 million,” Dr. Jayatissa said.

For the treatment of severe infections caused by gram-negative bacteria, the Cabinet approved the procurement of 1,000,000 vials (150,000 IU each) of Colistimethate Sodium. Three international bids were submitted, and the contract was awarded to Slim Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Sri Lanka (Manufacturer: Gufic Biosciences Ltd., India). “This procurement, worth Rs. 218 million, was granted based on the lowest bid meeting quality standards,” he added.

Supporting the Government’s local industry upliftment policy, the Cabinet approved the procurement of 30 million metres of surgical gauze from 282 registered local manufacturers under the permanent quota system. “The standing price of Rs. 68.97 per metre, approved by the price committee, brings the total procurement cost to Rs. 2,069 million,” Dr. Jayatissa disclosed.

The Cabinet of Ministers also approved awarding the contract for 18,000 vials (20ml each, 440mg) of Trastuzumab, a crucial drug for treating certain types of cancer. “Four international bids were received, with the lowest and most responsive bid coming from Cliniqon Biotech Ltd., Sri Lanka (Manufacturer: AryoGen Pharmed, Iran). The Cabinet approved the Rs. 422 million procurement based on expert recommendations,” he said.

The proposals presented by the Health Minister were approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.