The Tobago Regional Health Authority is giving the assurance that the procurement process for the four new ambulances was done above board and in a transparent manner. On Friday, the TRHA’s Chief Executive Officer and Board Chairman sought to clear the air on the matter.
Chairman of the Board of the Tobago Regional Health Authority Christlyn Moore made reference to 2022, where a previous Board engaged in a selective tender process and invited seven vehicle sales companies to bid for the procurement of new ambulances. The Board, led by Ms Moore, was appointed in January 2023 and continued the process. However, none of the companies were selected.
A recommendation was then given by the procurement and evaluation team to pursue an emergency procurement arrangement. The TRHA officials informed us that after engaging in extensive research and processes, an award of contract was given to Biomedical Technologies Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Dr. Delmon Baker sought to clear the air regarding costs.
Dr. Baker explained that the three units are being test-driven and staff are being orientated.
The Board Chairman admitted that challenges have been noted regarding the vehicles.
However, she gave the assurance that the contract between the TRHA and BMTT is a sound and generous one.
The TRHA officials stressed that the Authority is committed to transparent processes, adding that information regarding tendering processes will be uploaded to their website.