Medical

MBABANE – At least 27 medical suppliers have submitted 19 objections to the Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (ESPPRA) regarding two government tenders with a total value of about E1 billion.

The objections, which insist on the prevention of bias and corruption, were directed to ESPPRA for review under sections 45 and 47 of the Procurement Act, which gives suppliers the right to lodge concerns.

One of the companies, Top EMS Healthcare, complained about its unfair disqualification from Tender No. 1 of 2025/2026 for the supply and delivery of medical supplies. The company’s bid was valued at E123 680 342.08.

In its formal request, the company stated it believed its disqualification was unjust and lacked clarity, violating the principles of fairness and transparency enshrined in the Procurement Act.

Top EMS Healthcare noted its strong track record of supplying essential medical products to the Ministry of Health, even during periods of delayed government payments.

“Our dedication and reliability have positioned us as a trusted supplier in the health sector,” the company stated.

Top EMS raised concerns about what it saw as an abrupt change in the government’s approach. The company noted that it had recently been awarded Tender No. 2 of 2025/2026 for the Procurement of Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines under similar conditions, where listing two manufacturers per item was accepted without objection.

“The abrupt change in approach in the current tender raises serious concerns regarding fairness and consistency in evaluation,” the company stated.

It also decried that precedents had been disregarded. In Tender No. 10 of 2023/2024 and Tender No. 1 of 2023/2024, its practice of listing two manufacturers was accepted and did not affect its qualification status. Top EMS argued that its decision to list two manufacturers per item is a proactive risk mitigation strategy to prevent supply interruptions.

Full article available in our publication.

Some of the medical suppliers in a meeting with the PM at Cabinet Offices yesterday. (Pics: Courtesy)