KUCHING, July 28: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has readied at least three months’ stockpile of personal protective equipment (PPE) needed for hospitals and clinics.
Deputy Health Minister II Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang revealed that the procurement process for PPE will continue depending on current needs as well as in compliance with the present procurement method in force.
“MOH always adheres to the basic principles of procurement outlined under the Act and financial procedures being enforced.
“All procurement of supplies, services and work carried out is based on the principles of best, transparent, fair, economical and profitable to the government,” he told the Dewan Rakyat during the question session in reply to Batu Sapi MP Datuk Liew View Keong today.
Aaron also explained that MOH has identified and finalised the various kinds of medical and non-medical equipment, reagent, medications and consumables which need to be procured.
“Provision is made to the Responsibility Centre (PTJ) to implement the procurement in accordance with the value limits and regulations in force in the Treasury Circular, Treasury Instructions and Acts outlined by the Ministry of Finance Malaysia through the existing method of direct purchase, quotation or tender,” he said.
When the Covid-19 pandemic began to spread in the country starting in January 2020, he revealed, MOH had implemented emergency procurement to ensure that all equipment required for frontline staff and MOH hospitals can be met.
“Therefore, the MOH has used guidelines and procedures under Treasury Circular PB3.3—AP55 Emergency Expenditure Guidelines and Emergency Procurement 173.2,” he added.
Through this procedure, Aaron emphasised that the MOH has successfully procured most of the equipment needed to face the Covid-19 pandemic despite challenges posed by the lack in supply of resources and global competition. — DayakDaily
