Trinidadian conglomerate ANSA McAl and the New GPC are among seven companies which have submitted prequalification documents for the supply and delivery of billions of dollars worth of medical supplies to Guyana’s health sector .
The prequalification for health supplies covers the 2014-2016 period and comes amid concerns that new pre-qualification criteria were tailor-made to suit NGPC which has harvested billions of dollars in drug supply contracts in recent years. New GPC has had a close relationship with the PPP/C government and opposition MPs have for years questioned the circumstances under which drug supply contracts were awarded to it.
The tenders were opened this morning at the National Procurement Tender and Administration Board Ministry of Finance Compound.
Also in the race to supply and deliver pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and other consumables is the Western Scientific Company of Trinidad and Tobago. The five local companies are New GPC, Telcom Solutions (Guyana) Inc, Meditron Scientific Sales, International Pharmaceutical Agency and Global Healthcare Supplies Inc.
Today’s prequalification of bids was expected to attract attention in some circles especially since some interested activists have said that the new prequalification criteria includes the need for companies to have a turnover of $1 billion.
Prior to NGPC’s rise to prominence, specialized overseas agencies had supplied over 90 per cent of the Government’s requirements. If pre-qualified, ANSA’s entry could shake up the market.
