Maharashtra Medical Equipment Purchase Authority established

First India Bureau

Mumbai: On Friday, Health Minister Tanaji Sawant announced the creation of the Maharashtra Medical Equipment Purchase Authority, which will facilitate government procurement of medical equipment and drugs through a centralized entity.

The state Health Department plans to revive the Haffkine Institute, which focuses on

CM to be chair, health, medical edu mins to be vicechairpersons vaccine development and manufacturing. A bill to establish this authority has been passed by both Houses of the state legislature.

Until now every government depart-

MMRDA 2023-24 BUDGET

ment purchased necessary medical equipment and medicines separately, often at varying rates.

Purchases of medicines, medical equipment, sonography machines, dialysis machines, ventilators, CT scan machines and furniture could be now made through this authority. Even the Union government and other states can make purchases through it.