msf and tac write to motsoaledi re the arv tender

Health-E MSF and TAC write to Motsoaledi re the ARV tender Staff Writer Health-e News
October 22, 2012

Due to several concerns with the antiretroviral tender, the Treatment Action Campaign and MSF last week sent a joint letter to the Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi. Issues raised include: A request that a Ministerial Task Team to assess procurement procedures begin work immediately. Concerns about the wording of the ARV tender specifying that the inclusion of Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) will be based on economic considerations alone, given the current pricing of FDCs in South Africa’s private sector. A reminder that not only are FDCs available in developing countries for as little as R69 (Ranbaxy), but that the benefits of FDCs far outweigh mere cost considerations. South Africa’s Department of Health (DoH) announced the ARV tender for the period of 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2014 on 5th October. The DoH outlined the details of the tender - which can be found here http://www.doh.gov.za/docs/tenders/2012/hp13-2013arv.pdf - in an open event on 10 October.

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Health-e is a news agency that produces news and in-depth analysis for the print and electronic media. Their particular focus is HIV/AIDS, public health and issues regarding health policy and practice in South Africa. They provide print features for newspapers and magazines and well as broadcast packages for national and community radio stations. They also accept commissions. Information in this article was accurate in October 22, 2012. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.