High-Level Task Force Submits Report to Health Minister on Procurement Transparency

Kathmandu. A high-level task force formed to make the public procurement management of the Ministry of Health and Population and its subordinate bodies more transparent, economical, and results-oriented has submitted its report to Minister for Health and Population Dr. Sudha Gautam.

Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki informed that the task force submitted the report to the Minister at a program organized at the Ministry on Tuesday. Spokesperson Dr. Budhathoki stated that the report includes recommendations such as a procurement master plan, full implementation of e-GP, and making a minimum five-year maintenance contract mandatory for equipment procured by the Ministry.

Receiving the report, Minister Dr. Gautam expressed commitment to formulating an action plan based on the suggestions included in the report and implementing them immediately. She expressed hope that the existing problems in the health sector's procurement system would be resolved, bringing significant positive change to the quality of health services received by citizens.

The Ministry had formed the task force under the coordination of Dr. Chumanlal Das, Chief of the Policy and Planning Division of the Ministry, which included former Secretary Suresh Pradhan and former Director General of the Health Services Department Management Division Dr. Bhim Singh Tinkari.