In an effort to implement a structured system for emergency medical air transportation services, the Ministry of Health (MoH) is seeking to prequalify suppliers and has invited bids.
In advertisements in the daily newspapers last week, the health ministry stated that it was seeking the supply of air transportation services to conduct medical evacuations, transport of medical supplies, medicines and pathology teams and staff, to far-flung costal and hinterland communities.
Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony explained to this newspaper that the ministry is seeking to eliminate the haste which often occurs when it comes to medical transportation of patients and health teams. He noted that once the tender documents are reviewed, they will be able to shortlist companies that are able provide the services requested.
“Anytime a doctor calls and says it is an emergency, we have to find a flight to send for that patient… you will have to scramble in most cases. We want to put some order to the process and get the supply of that service done in order,” he explained.
According to the ministry, tenders will be evaluated on the ability to transport patients of all categories, which includes the critically ill, persons with infectiousness diseases such as COVID-19 and tuberculosis; technical ability to monitor patients during air transfers; willingness to provide credit facility; an adequate response timeline; ability to operate during day and night; ability to transport regular passengers and luggage; and being able to operate at any of the fifty communities the ministry may require service from. Bidders were also asked to submit a price schedule for each destination for air medical evacuation, chartered flights to transport the pathology team with a two-hour waiting period, and other special chartered flights for medical supplies, medicines and medical teams.
The MoH noted that it will continue to provide necessary personal protective equipment for both patients and crew members during an emergency transfer, as well as adequate oxygen supply, blood and blood products, medical supplies, and medical equipment, where possible.
Suppliers, who can satisfy the requirements are asked to submit bids and a signed price schedule no later than Wednesday August 18, 2021, at 3pm.
The bids must be submitted to the Chairman of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board at the Ministry of Finance.
Bidders are also asked to submit an original and electronic copy of the bid document in different sealed envelopes bearing the labels “original” and “copy.”
Bid documents can be purchased for a fee of $2,000 from the Ministry of Health, Accounts Department, at Lot 1 Brickdam, Georgetown.
