The Ministry of Health and Population endorsed the working plan on fast-track procurement on Wednesday, clearing legal hurdles to initiate the buying process of essential drugs.   

Health Minister Ramjanam Chaudhary endorsed the document tabled by the Logistics Management Division (LMD) at the ministry.

“A bid notice will be published soon and interested companies will have to apply in a week,” said Chaudhary.

The MoHP initiated the speedy procurement after companies and ‘middlemen’ that had earlier won the bid were unable to supply the medicines. They claim their goods have been stuck at the border points due to obstructions in the mobility of vehicles in the Tarai.

The ministry plans to procure 105 types of essential drugs worth Rs 200 million. Also on the procurement list are 80 other items that the ministry intends to distribute for free through health posts, primary health care centres and district hospitals.

Dr Bhim Tinkari, chief of LMD, said they would publish the notice once the ministry approves the working plan. “We hope to publish it by Friday,” said Dr Tinkari, explaining that people are facing the brunt as many health facilities in rural areas have run out of medicines. “Also, our regional stores are facing difficulties in delivering goods to the concerned districts due to the ongoing fuel crisis,” said Dr Tinkari. “The drugs that we plan to procure will suffice for the next three months.”

Amidst the crisis, the international community had on Tuesday issued a statement warning that health care facilities at all levels lack over half of essential supplies.