Government cleared to sole-source $12.5m contract for blood distribution drones

The Public Procurement Authority has approved a sole-sourcing contract request from government to engage a US-based firm for the design, installation and operation of an unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).

The firm, Messrs. Zipline International Inc, is expected to do delivery of medicines and medical supplies to health facilities across the country at the cost of $12,527,000 over a period of four years.

Documents available to 3news.com show that the Public Procurement Authority on November 6 gave approval for the transaction.

“Accordingly, and in line with section 40(1) (a) of Act 663 as amended, the Board grants approval to the Ministry of Health to engage MESSRS. ZIPLINE INTERNATIONAL INC. for the design, installation and operation of unmanned and vehicles at a cost of USD12,527,000 over a Four-year period”, a letter signed by the PPA Chief Executive, AB Adjei stated.

Another confidential document, sighted by 3news.com, shows that cabinet at its 36th meeting which was held on Thursday, June 28 had approved a memorandum submitted by the Health Minister, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, requesting Zipline International Inc to be sole-source for the contract.

Another document shows the National Security did checks on the sole-sourced firm and reported to the office of the vice president, declaring it competent for the job.

According to the National Security “Zipline International Inc is a credible entity and has the capacity to deliver emergency medical products across Ghana”, citing its partnership with Rwanda on a similar project.

Background

The vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia had said at the 2018 Annual Health Summit in Accra that Ghana would by September 2018 use drones to distribute blood and other essential medicines to remote parts of the country as part of efforts to ensure quality healthcare delivery.

He reiterated government’s commitment while addressing participants at the UK-Ghana Investment Summit in Accra in October when his first deadline had passed.