Govt. green lights over Rs. 2.5 b in medical procurement

Wednesday, 9 April 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet nod includes approval for rabies vaccine and human immunoglobulin vials

The Government on Monday approved two major healthcare supply procurements to ensure the availability of critical medicines and medical supplies across State hospitals with combined costs exceeding Rs. 2.5 billion. These decisions were made during the Cabinet of Ministers meeting on Monday, following international bidding processes, covering rabies vaccines and human immunoglobulin vials.

Addressing the media at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting, Cabinet Spokesman and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasised that these procurements were carried out based on the recommendation of the higher level standing procurement committee through a transparent international competitive bidding process, ensuring cost-effective, and high-quality medical supplies.

The Cabinet approved the procurement of three million doses of inactive Rabies vaccine (0.5 ml / 1 ml) at a total cost of Rs. 412.8 million. The supply contract was awarded to Gulf Pharma Ltd., with the manufacturer identified as Chiron Behring Vaccine Ltd., India, which submitted the lowest substantially responsive bid.

In a separate procurement, the Cabinet also green lit the purchase of 70,000 vials of Human Immunoglobulin BP (5–6 grams) used for treating patients with immunodeficiency and critical neurological conditions, particularly for intracranial use. The contract was awarded to Reliance Life Sciences Ltd., India, based on the lowest qualifying bid of $ 6.86 million (approximately Rs. 2.15 billion at current exchange rates).

Both procurement proposals were submitted by Health Minister Dr. Jayatissa was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.