GMCH tender for DEXA machine raises eyebrows

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 14

The Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, floated a tender to buy a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan machine, the specifications of which were suitable only to the firm that had earlier supplied a similar machine to the hospital, which had turned defunct in about three years of its installation.

Eyebrows are being raised over the framing of specifications of the new machine for which the tender was floated by the hospital in March this year.

The company, ADS Diagnostic Ltd, was the only one to file the bid to supply the machine in the tender. Then, Wipro GE Healthcare had filed an objection to the specifications and requested for amending the tender.

“We request you to amend some points for wider participation in the tendering process. We are keen to participate in the same and accordingly, want the submission date of this tender extended,” Wipro GE had written to the Director Principal of the GMCH in March.

However, specifications were not changed and thus, only ADS Diagnostic Ltd submitted a bid for the tender.

“It is shocking that the company whose previous machine became defunct some time after its installation is being provided a platform to supply another by framing tailor-made specifications in the tender. It should be inquired into who finalised the specifications and why only one firm participated in the process,” commented an official, preferring anonymity.

Sources said only these two companies deal in supply of these machines and they are being bought with MPLAD fund. MP Kirron Kher was unavailable for comments.

“Before spending such a huge amount, it should be seen that already two such machines are available. One is at the hospital, which is not being repaired, and other in a health van,” added the official.

Dr Sudhir Garg, Head, Orthopaedics Department, GMCH, said, “One company has participated in the tendering process, but it is for the Medical Superintendent to answer why only one firm came forward as he handles such matters. Only financial bid is left to be opened in this tender now.”

However, Dr Ravi Gupta, Medical Superintendent, claimed, “We have asked the orthopaedics wing to change the specifications and have cancelled the tender.”

There was a stark difference in the statements of the duo as Dr Garg did not speak about cancellation of tender.

DEXA machine, worth about Rs 22 lakh, was inaugurated on August 8, 2009, but it broke down in 2012. The machine, which is used for measuring bone mineral density, is lying out of order for the last five years.