By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 9: Almost all bidders on Saturday flagged the mention of radio taxis in in a clause of the tender floated for 108 ambulance service fearing discrepancies.
Some of them have raised concern that the tender has been designed to accommodate a few with radio taxi experience.
The tender states that the bidder should have at least two years’ experience in managing a network of radio taxis and managing a fleet of at least 100 such vehicles at the time of application.
The bidders, according to sources, have also flagged concern over several other clauses in the tender.
One of the clauses of the tender mentions the requirement of local involvement, which prompted the bidders to ask what sort of ‘local involvement’ is required.
The scope of the tender has been restricted due to such discrepancies, the sources said.
With regard to radio taxi aspect of the tender, the bidders questioned how parties with radio taxi experience can be allowed t operate ambulance services.
The authorities have said that this is merely an option in the tender.
However, the bidders contend that the clause should be removed if the government wants to ensure quality.
They believe that radio taxis cannot be the best service providers in emergency medical services.
The bidders have been asked to write to the government expressing their grievances.