Instead of resolving alleged irregularities over the purchase process, BSMMU is reportedly buying radiotherapy machine at a higher cost.
It’s alleged that sidelining the lowest bidder, the purchase committee is trying to take an advantage of Tk 40.915 million.
Reportedly, despite being aware of this anomaly, the VC is not taking any step.
After accusations of irregularities emerged in 2017, a probe committee was formed by the then VC Dr Qamrul Hassan Khan.
When accusations of impropriety were found to be true, the previous tender was cancelled and a new one called.
In the new tender, only two companies took part with Varian Medical System making the lower bid of the two at $ 2.14 million. The other one was $ 2.63 million.
But for some unknown reason, BSMMU became eager to buy from the higher bidder.
Realizing that something sinister was afoot, the lower bidder, Varian, asked the purchase committee for a clinical visit but did not get any response.
Consequently, Varian submitted a written complaint mentioning several clauses of the public procurement act 2006.
Since BSMMU did not take any action after the complaint, the company (Varian) made another complaint to the ministry of health and family planning.
Bangladesh distribution officer of Varian, Ruha Alam, says, “Our machines are made in USA and are being used in National Cancer Institute, Square Hospital, Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College, Dhaka Medical College, United Hospital, Delta Medical College and in other hospitals.”
It’s perplexing as to why BSMMU is interested to buy a radiotherapy machine at a much higher price from Electa AB, added Ruha.
Vice Chancellor of BSMMU, Dr Kanak Kanti Barua, says, “This issue will be resolved swiftly, if there are complaints against the previous tender then it will be cancelled.”
However, if there aren’t any complaints then the purchasing will be done on the previous tender process, he added.