7 March 2005

The government has awarded the tender for the supply of antiretroviral drugs to public health facilities countrywide to seven pharmaceutical companies.

The state's comprehensive plan for the treatment, care and management of HIV/Aids includes the provision of life-prolonging antiretroviral drugs free to the public.

The R3.4-billion tender expires in 2007 and has been awarded to Pharmacare, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Abbot, Cipla, Merck Sharp & Dohme, and GlaxoSmithKline.

The Health Department said provinces could expect the first delivery of ARV drugs in six to eight weeks.

The successful suppliers and provincial health procurement officials will meet every three months to plan adequately to meet the demand for ARVs at public health facilities.

Source: BuaNews

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