Existing procurement system more transparent at Public Health Ministry

– ministry briefs media

– bronze supply chain maturity level attained

 – USAID Specialists have determined that the ministry is at level two of a five-tier system after finding that certain requirements were met

DPI, Guyana, Monday, April 29, 2019

A 12-day study of the Ministry of Public Health’s procurement system was conducted in December 2018, and it was determined that the ministry is at level two (Bronze) of a five-tier system rated 1-Canvas, 2-Bronze, 3-Silver, 4-Gold and 5-Accredited

The tool against which the ministry’s procurement system was evaluated looks at the progression activities toward effective supply chain integration and maturity. Looking at this rating, the ministry has noted that the procurement system at its current stage is much fairer, more competitive and more transparent.

This is according the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Colette Adams who said, “Our scrutiny of contracts has become more rigorous to ensure contractors and suppliers abide by the terms of the agreement brokered. This system is also ably supported by contracted consultant and drug inspector.”

Attaining the bronze supply chain maturity level is an achievement which signals that the supply chain improvement journey is underway. USAID Specialists have determined that the ministry is at level two of a five-tier system for global supply chain management after finding that certain requirements were met.

PS Adams added, “To achieve this the country has trained staff, implemented processes and has some level of functional technology. This is to be applauded as the most difficult step to make is moving from level/tier one – canvas to level/tier two – bronze.” In spite of this, there is still much to be done to continue to move up the maturity rating sheet.

Martin Ellis, Managing Director of Optimised Operations, contracted through USAID explained that one of the challenges the ministry’s procurement system had and still has is the inability to track procurement process at various stages.

The Permanent Secretary’s statement addressed this as part of a series of objectives to be met. They will look at “Implementing a procurement tracking system software and take steps to improve synergies between the procurement unit and the Materials Management Unit (MMU) to improve its collection and distribution cycles of drugs, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies in the quest to help improve the lives of everyone living in Guyana.”

With this in mind, the goal is now to move onto level three – silver. The implementation of a systematic and structured improvement programme is required for this to be achieved. To get to silver would mean building on what was put in place to achieve the bronze level with further advanced staff qualifications, the introduction of Standard operating procedures and improved technology.

In addition to all of this, part of the ministry’s attention in this regard will be focused on continuing to improve the skill set of procurement staff where a Procurement summit is to be hosted.

Delicia Haynes

Images: Giovanni Gajie

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