Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen has stated the companies which were contracted to procure ventilators to the Maldives were selected among suppliers of medical equipment and machinery, which were deemed capable and trustworthy by the health ministry.
In response to a question from Parliamentarian Ahmed Haitham, Health Minister Ameen said the contracts were awarded to two companies that have supplied medical equipment and machinery to the health ministry in the past and had earned the confidence of the health ministry. However, the minister said the contracted companies have been facing difficulties in procuring ventilators as manufacturing countries are under lockdown. He added the ministry has been informed there would be delays in procuring the ventilators due to reasons such as the rapidly increasing demand and the suspension of international travels due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The health ministry contracted the procurement of ventilators to Medtech Maldives Private Limited and Nard Private Limited. Health Minister Ameen revealed Medtech Maldives will be bringing in 18 ventilators on May 1, while 10 ventilators are scheduled to be procured on May 15. He said the company has informed it will provide the scheduled dates for the procurement of the rest of the ventilators once it is confirmed.
Furthermore, the health minister said Nard Private Limited has informed there would be delays in procuring the 20 ventilators it was contracted to bring, due to manufacturing delays. He said the company has informed it is looking into alternative means to procure the ventilators.
The government has set a target of procuring 200 ventilators to the Maldives, as part of the efforts to prepare for the worst-case scenario of the spread of COVID-19.