BRATISLAVA, July 26, (WEBNOVINY) — All hospitals in Slovakia will have the opportunity to use the so-called procurement unit which the Health Ministry plans to launch for common purchases of goods and services. Ministerial spokesperson Katarina Zollerova confirmed the plan to make the unit accessible to all hospitals in Slovakia. If a hospital under the jurisdiction of a county wants to participate in the common system to capitalize on lower prices, the ministry will not prevent it from doing so. “On the contrary, we will greet it because it will save more finances in the health sector. We believe that we will save millions or even tens of millions of euros,” Zollerova added.
Hospitals not operated by the state do not object their possible involvement in the system. Based on the previously released information, hospitals will report planned purchases to the unit in advance. They will also suggest the price. Following price comparison among all hospitals, the unit will then recommend the purchase price. The ministry was told to launch the unit until late May, pursuant to a Cabinet’s regulation. Zollerova clarified that the project has been created in several phases.
By late September, the ministry in cooperation with hospitals will have defined categories of goods and services that can be procured in this way. Hospitals will then draw up annual purchase and procurement plans. Subsequently the ministry will launch corresponding public auctions, according to the spokesperson.
SITA
