Linchpin matters - procurement of medicines for the Maltese National Health Service

Abstract

Introduction: Medicines procured within the governmental health services are distributed through the Pharmacy of Your Choice scheme to community pharmacies and the various public hospitals. Procurement is done by the Central Procurement and Supplies Unit (CPSU), which has been established through the Public Procurement Regulations (SL174.04). Call for quotations (CfQ) for specifications of medicines, as agreed with the Directorate for Pharmaceutical Affairs, are published on the Electronic Public Procurement System (e-PPS) portal. Pharmaceutical companies, their representatives and wholesale dealers can bid for any CfQ following registration with e-PPS. Bidders need to upload details on three separate areas, i.e. administrative, technical and financial sections within a stipulated published timeframe; after which bidders personally lock the bid electronically. At this stage the bid cannot be modified. Designated CPSU staff can see the offers, including the prices, only after the CfQ is unlocked for evaluation. During the evaluation, the cheapest medicine which is technically compliant to the specifications, terms and conditions of the bid and certified to be safe, efficacious and of good quality is ultimately recommended for procurement. Evaluation includes an EU transnational comparison to ascertain that the unit price is fair and reasonable. Important considerations include delivery period, shelf-life on delivery and language of the product literature. Conclusion: The procurement process is entirely electronic. It involves multi-point quality checks which are implemented to ascertain transparency, efficiency mapping, fairness and good judgement with a view to acquire the most cost-effective medicines to address the needs of a holistic patient-centric approach.