Now Reading: TNMSC to procure assistive devices for disabled persons in Tamil Nadu
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TNMSC to procure assistive devices for disabled persons in Tamil Nadu
For the first time, the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC) is procuring assistive devices and mobility aids, including retrofitted petrol scooters, for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons Department. Nearly 15…
For the first time, the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC) is procuring assistive devices and mobility aids, including retrofitted petrol scooters, for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons Department. Nearly 15 tenders have been floated after the department asked TNMSC to handle the procurement, which was earlier done directly by the department.
The TNMSC, set up to ensure availability of essential drugs in government hospitals, is also permitted by its Memorandum of Association to procure assistive devices. The items include battery-operated wheelchairs, hearing aids, Braille readers, artificial limbs, and specially designed retrofitted scooters for spinal cord injury patients. Officials said the TNMSC has the technical expertise and can provide warranty and maintenance support.
The move has drawn criticism from some government doctors, who argue that taking on additional procurement duties could divert TNMSC from its primary responsibilities. They cite delays in procuring essential equipment and warn that added tasks may compromise service quality and patient care. The decision follows earlier criticism over TNMSC procuring gold rings under a scheme for newborns.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The decision reflects the Tamil Nadu government's push to centralise procurement through TNMSC, which already handles drugs for human and veterinary hospitals. Critics worry that expanding its role into non-medical items like retrofitted scooters could strain its capacity, especially when hospitals report existing delays in essential drug supplies. The TNMSC's track record with the gold ring scheme, which sparked debate about mission creep, now faces a bigger test: assistive devices are technical and require customisation for individual needs. The outcome will hinge on whether TNMSC can maintain its core drug supply timelines while managing these new tenders, which must be awarded and fulfilled within the current financial year.
Watch for the tender award dates and whether any supplier challenges arise in the procurement process.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
