PPRA orders probe into multi-million-rupee IBTS equipment deal

LAHORE: The Punjab Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) has ordered an independent inquiry into alleged irregularities in the procurement of laboratory equipment worth millions of rupees for the Institute of Blood Transfusion Services (IBTS), Punjab, raising serious questions about transparency, competition and the quality of machinery supplied.

In an order issued on October 26, 2026, a copy of which is available with *Minute Mirror*, PPRA referred the matter to the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department for an independent investigation into allegations involving the purchase and installation of Clinical Laboratory Immunoassay (CLIA) kits and fully automated analyzers.

The authority issued the order while deciding a representation filed by Roche Pakistan Limited, which challenged the technical evaluation process. PPRA observed that vague and subjective technical terms in bidding documents could create opportunities for arbitrary decisions and undermine fair competition.

The controversy relates to the procurement of CLIA kits and fully automated, brand-new, latest-model analyzers on a reagent rental basis for 10 blood transfusion units during the financial year 2026–27.

During the evaluation process, Roche Pakistan was declared technically non-responsive, leaving Abbott Laboratories Pakistan Limited as the only technically qualified bidder.

The outcome has raised concerns about the competitiveness of the procurement process, particularly because Roche Pakistan had been supplying similar testing solutions to IBTS for the previous four years. Its existing contract was also extended while the new procurement proceedings remained underway.

Roche Pakistan further alleged that the analyzers supplied and installed by the successful bidder were refurbished rather than brand-new, as required under the tender conditions.

Taking note of the allegations, PPRA stressed the need for factual verification of the equipment, including its condition, age, import history, installation records and compliance with the prescribed technical specifications.

The authority advised the provincial department’s secretary to establish an independent inquiry committee comprising administrative representatives and qualified technical experts to examine the allegations and determine whether the supplied machinery met the procurement requirements.

The development has brought renewed attention to the importance of transparent procurement practices, particularly in the healthcare sector, where the quality and reliability of diagnostic equipment can directly affect patient safety and blood transfusion services.

The proposed inquiry is expected to establish the facts surrounding the procurement and determine whether the evaluation and equipment installation complied with the applicable rules and tender conditions.