MINISTER EXPLAINS AMBULANCE PURCHASE

Wed, 15 Nov 2017 10:36:35 +0000

By Annie Zulu       

MINISTER of Health Chitalu Chilufya has clarified that contrary to assertions in some quarters, Government is not about to procure 50 ambulances at an exorbitant price of US$288, 000 each.

Dr Chilufya noted that in September 2015, Government through the Ministry of Health entered into a contract with Savenda Limited to supply and deliver purpose built ambulances for mobile and emergency health services, train health workers and support maintenance for the ambulances.

He explained that the total cost was US$11,520,355, of which US$7,155, 500 was meant for the procurement of the 50 ambulances, bringing the price of one ambulance to US$143, 110 as opposed to US$288, 000 each.

The Minister was responding to Kabompo Member of Parliament Ambrose Lufuma during the question for oral answer who wanted to know why Government was about to procure 50 ambulances at an exorbitant price of US$288, 000 each.

“The total cost is US$11,520,355 and this will be used to supply and deliver 50 purpose built Mercedes Benz high roofed, equipment mounted ambulances with modernised emergency and mobile medical equipment, 50 and a unit price of US$143, 110 bringing the price to US$7,155, 500.

“It will also be used for five-year service and provision of service parts for ambulances inclusive of both mobile platforms and the medical equipment at US$3,649, 305

“It will further be used for training of 20 mechanics, 50 drivers and 100 medical staff at a cost of US$715,550 and the grand total was US$11, 520, 355,” Dr Chilufya said.

He also noted that in March 2015, an open international competitive tender was advertised and attracted 13 responses.

Dr Chilufya said the due process was followed after the bids were opened, including the Ministry of Health institutional ministerial procurement committee approvals, technical and financial evaluations.

He said the submission was made as prescribed by law to the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPRA) for approval upon completion of the due process and Savenda Limited was awarded the contract to supply the total package at a cost of US$11, 520, 355.

Meanwhile, Dr Chilufya has indicated that Government could not procure the ambulances from Toyota Zambia, because the company did not participate in the tender.

He said Government was not aware that the same ambulances, including other services which were included in the specifications are available at Toyota Zambia at a price of US$74, 000 as quoted in some sections of the media.

“This was an international tender with very clear specifications in which 13 companies participated of which Toyota Zambia was not one of them and Government is not aware that the same ambulances are available at Toyota Zambia at that quoted price of US$74, 000,” he said