Namibia's health ministry cancels N$194 million medical stores tender amid political interference concerns
via The Namibian5 min read
Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services has requested the Central Procurement Board of Namibia to cancel a N$194 million tender for new central medical stores in Windhoek. The cancellation follows allegations of political interference in the procurement process and concerns from the Switzerland-based Global Fund regarding the redirection of its N$194 million donation, which was originally intended for the facility. Executive director of health and social services Penda Ithindi stated in a letter dated April 16 that an executive directive led to the cancellation, with the ministry's procurement committee agreeing that the project's expected outcome did not justify its cost. The tender, which closed on January 13, involved the construction of a new medical stores facility and refurbishment of an existing warehouse in the Khomas region. The ministry plans to submit a new request to the board once revised project specifications and a new location are finalized. The Global Fund had previously approved Namibia's plan for new medical stores, to be built on health ministry premises between the Katutura and Central hospitals. Before the cancellation, the ministry considered using the allocation to repurpose the Ramatex Rhino Garments building as a medical store. Procurement board spokesperson Johanna Kambala confirmed receipt of the cancellation request, noting it is awaiting board consideration and adjudication.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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