Patuakhali Medical College: Tender manipulation halts bidding
Staff Reporter :
Serious allegations of irregularities have surfaced in the procurement of medical equipment for Patuakhali Medical College Hospital. Following complaints that the tender was manipulated to favor a particular contractor, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has canceled the entire process. Instructions have been issued to take action against those involved.
According to DGHS sources, on October 27 a tender was invited to purchase medical equipment worth approximately Tk 76.75 crore for the hospital. A total of 703 items-including major equipment such as surgical instruments, anesthesia machines, and X-ray units, as well as clocks, televisions, and a water treatment plant-were placed in a single lot.
On November 2, several firms submitted written complaints to the Ministry of Health. The complaints stated that the tender contained low-quality specifications, mentioned specific brands and models in certain cases, allowed only a two-year warranty, and permitted authorization letters from local firms instead of manufacturers-conditions that violate the PPR 2025 regulations.
The complainants argued that grouping such a wide variety of items into a single lot would hinder genuine competition, as no domestic company could supply all the equipment alone. This, they claimed, increases the risk of wastage of public funds. As per PPR rules, the items should be separated into appropriate lots and a new tender should be called.
After receiving the complaints, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum and Health Secretary Md. Saidur Rahman ordered an immediate investigation. Following the inquiry, the DGHS canceled the tender on November 26. The DGHS notice stated that the Tk 76.75 crore single-package tender had been “suspended due to unavoidable reasons.” As a result, the entire procurement process has come to a halt.
Experts say that placing such diverse items in one lot violates PPR regulations. It reduces competition and creates opportunities to favor a specific contractor. According to them, packaging of this nature cannot happen without approval from higher authorities, and it increases the risk of audit objections or corruption cases in the future.
When contacted, Project Director Dr. S. M. Kabir Hossain said action would be taken as per DGHS instructions. However, he declined to comment on allegations of violating PPR rules.
Health Secretary Md. Saidur Rahman said that instructions had been issued to cancel the tender. “Legal action will be taken against those involved,” he added.