Two weeks ago, we began a discussion of the revised prequalification criteria for the supply of drugs and medical supplies to the Ministry of Health and the Georgetown Hospital for the period 2014 to 2016. This discussion took place against the background of allegations that the new requirements were biased in favour of a particular local company. Over the years, this company has become the main supplier, accounting for over 75 per cent of the Government’s requirements. It also virtually displaced the overseas specialized agencies – PAHO/WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and IDA – which had provided 90 per cent of the Government’s requirements.
Recapitulation of 11 August 2014 Article
The revised criteria were based on a points system with a maximum score of 200. However, certain mandatory requirements were also included in the points system and we suggested that for future prequalification exercises, these be separated out, and a two-stage evaluation carried out. In addition, there was a lack of consultation with key stakeholders to secure the necessary buy-in of the new proposals. Had this been done, and the views of stakeholders were taken into account in formulating the new proposals, the allegations of bias might have been avoided.
Further, suppliers needed time to put in place arrangements to satisfy the new criteria, especially as regards the 30,000 square feet of storage with