Minto moots quality test for bidder’s drugs before procurement

BENGALURU: Two weeks after suspected drug reaction affected 24 patients who underwent cataract removal surgery at

Minto Ophthalmic Hospital

, questions are being raised over safety protocols in

drug procurement

.


During the evaluation of the bids in the drug procurement tenders, government hospitals must opt for the lowest bidder (L1). However, Minto authorities have now written to

Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute

(BMCRI), department of medical education, seeking exemption from the rules to enable them to procure better quality drugs. Minto hospital comes under BMCRI.

When government hospitals like Minto directly procure drugs, there are no provisions for quality testing and they are certified and licensed by the drug controller department.

“Because of the clause mandating L1 (lowest bidder), we have to go for the bidder who quotes the lowest price. But after the drug reaction episode, we want to be more cautious. Our doctors have requested BMCRI to allow us to obtain feedback from the market about the drug, where it’s being used. If there are any issues with the quality and safety of the drug, our doctors would like to go for better quality drugs,” said Dr BL Sujatha Rathod, director, Minto Ophthalmic Hospital.

As a safety protocol, the hospital will also test a sample from every batch of drugs to be used in operation theatres, she added.

However, BMCRI chief administrative officer N Sowmya said she’s not aware of the letter from Minto hospital. “In case of any drug procurement by BMCRI, the sample verification is done by the head of the department and if the drug fails the test, the manufacturer cannot participate in the financial bidding,” she said.

“The drug reaction issue at Minto is being investigated by a committee. Hence, no inputs can be given at this point,” said Dr Satish HS, director-cum-dean, BMCRI.

Govt doctors support move

The hospital’s move has garnered support of many doctors working in the government sector. “Sometimes, the antibiotics used on needy patients remain ineffective. The drugs procured directly by the institutions hardly undergo quality analysis. Doctors treating patients in government hospitals must have the quality assessment report in hand and the feedback on its usage. The move by Minto is commendable,” said a senior professor from BMCRI.

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