Procurement of surgical, medical disposables in Punjab: Opposition seeks explanation for Rs18.94bn tender cancellation

LAHORE: Opposition lawmakers have raised concerns over the alleged cancellation of an Rs 18.94 billion tender for surgical and medical disposables procurement in Punjab. Tayyab Rashid and Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar submitted an adjournment motion in the Punjab Assembly, demanding an explanation for the cancellation of the tender for the fiscal year 2026-27.

The motion highlighted that 35 companies had already submitted their bids to participate in the tender process for surgical disposable procurement. However, the tender was later cancelled, sparking worries about the supply of essential medical equipment in provincial hospitals. The lawmakers emphasized that despite reaching out to the responsible authorities, the Rs 18.94 billion tender was cancelled, prompting questions about the procurement process of the Punjab health department.

They voiced fears that the cancellation might pave the way for awarding the contract to preferred companies through a new procurement process. The opposition also alleged that the cancellation of the tender was connected to a large sum of corruption and demanded that the government uphold transparency in procurement to prevent misuse of public funds.

They urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure a steady supply of surgical and medical disposables to hospitals across Punjab, warning that any delay could negatively impact healthcare services. The lawmakers pushed for a fully transparent and competitive tendering process to protect public funds and ensure merit-based procurement.