No new tender for medicine called in state since 2006

SHILLONG: The health department is yet to call any new tender for purchase of medicine under the National Health Mission after the last tender was approved in 2006.
Sources said normally, the health department has to send a proposal for procurement of drugs to the central purchase committee, and subsequently, the tender is called.
According to sources, there is a need to call a central purchase board meeting to finalise the list of drugs.
The central purchase committee headed by National Health Mission director sets up guidelines for the framework of tender and the DHS (MI) cannot impose sick clauses to deprive many companies from participating in the tender, sources added.
There is a demand from certain quarters to call tender from January failing which the old system of allowing certain firms to supply medicine will continue, which will also result in shortage of medicine.
Another need is to carry out audit and inquiry to find out the manner of purchase of drugs.
Since 2006, no transfer of officer has been effected from the procurement section, sources added.
The health department does not follow the barcode system supported by software which should have ensured transparency in purchasing the medicine.
Sources added that with the software database, the day to day medicine purchase and the pharmacies which are placing the orders can be made transparent.
Health officials were not available for comments.