DNA EXCLUSIVE: AIIMS under scanner over tender biasing

After the CBI registered a case against All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) staff for irregularities in awarding surgery department tenders, the Institute is facing another set of allegations for tender biasing for procurement of an “Orderless Modular Autopsy suite with wall mounted autopsy station (dissection set up) and hydraulic autopsy carts on a turnkey basis.” 

A group of at least four medical equipment manufacturers and suppliers, in their complaint letters marked to the Institute Director, pointed out the specifications for the tender favoured a single company. 

In a tender in August 2016, AIIMS had invited bids from suppliers for the procurement of an ‘Autopsy’ table. While bidders came forth, no product was purchased at that time. In December 2017, a re-tender was invited wherein it was found out that the tendering specifications were not generalised and accounted to only one UK based company which has quoted double the price, claimed sources.

“We have gone through the specification and find that the specification is not generalised but it is tending to a specific brand or company, whereas in your previous tender dated August 29, 2016, specifications were general. Such favoritism hinders Indian manufacturers from participating. Make in India initiative encourages manufacturers like us but the specific brand/company specifications are a clear sign of rejection of Make in India initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” stated the letter.

In the tender clause, manufacturers have been asked to provide a complete reference of minimum 30 or more installations in the Hospitals/Mortuary worldwide, with names of the Institutions. “How can an Indian manufacturer provide 30 installations from worldwide? Technical committee should look into the clause and amend as 30 installations in India,” it added.

Sources reveal that the complaints regarding the collusion have reached the Union Minister J P Nadda and Prime Minister Modi and the matter will soon be audited by CAG.

Responding to the charges, the AIIMS spokesperson said.“The first tender was floated in the month of September 2016 where it was found that only one bidder was meeting the complete specifications hence the department was advised by the store’s purchase committee for the re-tender with revised specifications. The item was re-tendered in December 2017 and is under evaluation. The financial bid has not opened yet and the technical bid opened on January 23, giving chance for others to apply.”