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Controversy over mouthwash tender: SPC responds to allegations



The State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) has dismissed accusations regarding the awarding of a tender for Chlorhexidine 0.2% mouthwash to a Bangladeshi company.

The Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA) claimed that the supplier in question had been blacklisted for defaulting on previous agreements.

SPC Chairman Dr. M.C. Weerasinghe clarified that the initial awarding of the tender followed established procurement procedures. “The tender was granted to the lowest bidder with valid certification from the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), as per standard guidelines,” he said.

However, Dr. Weerasinghe admitted that further review revealed the bidder’s prior classification as a ‘default supplier’ by the SPC Board of Directors in October 2024. Upon this discovery, the SPC promptly reversed the decision and initiated a process to award the tender to another eligible bidder.

“This was an oversight by the Tender Committee, but once the issue was identified, corrective action was taken immediately,” Dr. Weerasinghe added.

The MCPA had earlier called for an urgent investigation, alleging that a previously blacklisted company had been selected for the supply of an essential medical product. They urged the Health Ministry to ensure transparency in future tenders to avoid such situations.

In response, the SPC reiterated its commitment to upholding high standards in procurement, stressing that procedures have now been tightened to prevent similar issues from arising.



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