Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) has moved to dismiss allegations of a medical supply crisis and concerns about transparency in procurement processes
The allegations stemmed from an internal source within the Ministry who alleged that essential medical supplies are deliberately allowed to run out, leading to emergency procurement and possible circumvention of the public tender process.
The source also claimed that the Ministry was procuring supplies from ‘friend’s companies.’
“The ministry allows the complete depletion of crucial medical supplies, including non-sterile gloves, sterile surgical gloves, specimen bottles/materials, and other essential medications such as first-line antibiotics, first-line antihypertensives, and first-line antihistamines. This depletion forces the ministry to engage in emergency procurement from proxy companies, which are either friends and family businesses, “stated the anonymous source.
Responding to these allegations, the Ministry acknowledged that the sudden surge in demand for non-sterile examination gloves had necessitated emergency procurement to replenish depleted stock levels.
Ministry spokesperson, Walters Kamaya, addressed the challenges faced in procurement processes,
“All the procurement processes at Central Procurement Board Namibia (CPBN) have faced numerous challenges, such as cancellations, court interdicts, and review panel applications. These challenges have significantly impacted the availability of the mentioned commodities. To ensure the MOHSS can provide the much-needed services, emergency procurement is often triggered while the CPBN finalises long-term contracts.
Increased demand for services would result in products depleting faster than they can be replenished, and the absence of contracts further slows down the replenishment process,” said Kamaya.
He added that the ministry adheres to the provisions of the Public Procurement Act. And that the ministry has submitted tenders to the CPBN for the advertisement of Pharmaceutical Supplies, Clinical Supplies, and ARVs, in accordance with the Act.
“It is not correct to claim that the Ministry bypasses the Procurement Act process for awarding public tenders. In fact, the Ministry follows the provisions of the Public Procurement Act. All these tenders were publicly advertised, and the bids are currently awaiting finalisation by the CPBN. In the interim, the Ministry must replenish its stock levels through emergency procurement,” he said.
Moreover, turning to concerns about glove shortages at Katutura Hospital, Kamaya said sterile surgical gloves are currently in stock, and hospitals are encouraged to place orders with Central Medical Stores.
“Sterile surgical gloves are readily available, and we encourage hospitals to order them from Central Medical Stores. Although there is a limited supply of examination gloves at Central Medical Stores, they have been requested as part of an emergency procurement, and additional stock will be made available within the next two weeks,” he added.
