TNMSC to procure assistive devices, retrofitted scooters for Differently Abled Welfare Department

For the first time, the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC) is procuring various assistive devices and mobility aids, including retrofitted petrol scooters, for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons Department. Nearly 15 tenders have been floated by the TNMSC after the department asked it to undertake the procurements.

The TNMSC was set up with the main objective of ensuring the availability of essential drugs and medical supplies in all government hospitals across the State through a streamlined procedure for procurement, storage and distribution. According to official documents, including the Health Department’s policy note, apart from supplying medicines for government hospitals, TNMSC also procures and supplies medicines required for various veterinary healthcare institutions functioning under the Department of Animal Husbandry.

Officials confirmed that for the first time, the TNMSC was asked to procure and supply various assistive devices by the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons Department. Following this, it has floated online tenders for fixing of rate contracts for supply of various types of battery-operated wheelchairs, sewing machines, tricycles, hearing aids, reflective folding stick and modular reflective folding sticks, modular reading device and electronic Braille readers, standing frame and corner seat, artificial limbs, metal and plastic calipers, magnifier, goggles and braille watches, axillary crutches, elbow crutches and walking device, augmentative and alternative communication system software with tablet and smartphone, and retrofitted petrol scooters, and specially designed retrofitted petrol scooters for spinal cord injuries.

The TNMSC’s Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association permit it to procure assistive devices, officials said. Earlier, such tenders for procurement of the assistive devices and mobility aids were called for by the Welfare of the Differently Abled Persons Department.

“This was an informed decision taken by the department. TNMSC is well-versed in undertaking such procurements, given the technical nature of assistive devices such as hearing aids. These devices should be procured depending on the condition of individuals such as those with spinal cord injuries. This is based on their request, and the TNMSC has the capability and technical expertise and is allowed to make procurements for all requesting directorates,” an official said. They said the TNMSC’s procurements typically include warranty and maintenance support, which could have been another reason for the department to ask the agency to handle the procurement.

Move criticised

The State government’s decision to entrust the TNMSC with the procurement of one-gram gold rings under the ‘Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam’ for babies born at government hospitals had already drawn widespread criticism, with concerns that it dilutes the corporation’s core purpose.

A section of government doctors said TNMSC’s mandate was different, and taking on such additional procurement activities could divert the TNMSC from its primary responsibilities. “There are already delays in procuring essential and life-saving equipment due to administrative reasons. Taking on additional responsibilities will only affect its routine work,” a senior doctor said. Another doctor added that this could compromise the TNMSC’s functioning, affecting the quality of service, and, in turn, patient care in the long run.