Agreement signed to establish unit to strengthen health services

An agreement has been signed between the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), on establishing a ‘Central Health Procurement Unit’ at the Ministry of Health to improve the standard of health services in the Maldives.

The Ministry of Health said in a statement today that the purpose of the agreement signed with UNOPS on 15 April 2013, is to centralise the supply and procurement of medical supplies and services within two years. The ministry said that UNOPS will fully support and assist the import and supply of medical equipment to local medical service providers.

The Ministry of Health said that the Central Health Procurement Unit would strengthen the ministry’s efforts to provide continuous health services. The agreement signed in this regard would also facilitate the establishment of various expert systems, training of staff to international standards, and the establishment of a system which incorporates the government and private groups.

The ministry also said that the project is based on studies conducted by UNOPS with expert assistance from World Health Organisation (WHO) and financial assistance from Caritas Italiana.

With the assistance of UNOPS, samples would be checked and standard would be verified of biomedical equipment before they are supplied. UNOPS will also provide insurance for the equipment until they reach the customer.

The ministry said that once the project on the centralisation of health sector procurement is completed, UNOPS will commission the Health Ministry to continue with the project permanently.