Local agent wins controversial tender to supply Cefuroxime injections

• It is alleged that the reason to cancel the tender that was floated in October 2022, to purchase 2.5 million Cefuroxime Sodium Injections

By Nirmala Kannangara

The much controversial ploy initiated by the Ministry of Health to purchase emergency medicines-which can only be purchased in the face of an emergency like an epidemic or calamity- with the help of politicians at exorbitant prices has come to light. The move to purchase these drugs is fuelled by the greed to receive lofty commissions rather than meet an emergency situation in the country.

It is alleged that the reason to cancel the tender that was floated in October 2022, to purchase 2.5 million Cefuroxime Sodium Injections, was done because the Health Ministry officials failed in their attempt to award the tender to the highest bidder. 

Recently a fresh tender was called to purchase these injections and it has been awarded to the local agent who failed in the first round of bids after quoting the highest price. 
The price difference between the initial lowest bidder and the successful bidder this time is a staggering Rs.1, 200 million, according to Health Ministry officials.