Med companies question clauses in govt tender

SHILLONG: The Federation of Parenteral Manufacturers of India has alleged discrepancies in a recent tender issued by the Directorate of Health Services (MI) for supply of intravenous fluids.
In a statement issued here on Monday, the federation asked on what grounds the tender inviting authority selected the clause of average annual turnover of Rs 50 crore in the last three years for manufacturers.
The federation said a memorandum in this regard was sent to the Directorate of Health Services but there was no reply.
Alleging favouritism, the manufacturers said, “How will small and medium industries gain experience if participation is restricted in this way? Other big states are not following such a high turnover clause.”
Citing examples, the statement said in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu it is Rs 2 crore, while in Assam, it is Rs 10 crore.
The federation added that such clauses defeat the purpose of the ‘Make in India’ programme by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Meghalaya is a small state and its total budget for purchase of medicine is approximately Rs 30 crore, then why a manufacturer of Rs 50 crore is desired,” the statement said.
The manufacturers also questioned as to why samples of materials have been desired even as it added that there are different batches manufactured by a company and the quality is ascertained by the national drug controlling authority.
“This is a very suspicious point and never been asked in other states,” the statement added.
Officials from the DHS (MI) refused to comment on the matter.