A controversy has arisen over the procurement of radioisotope making machines required for cancer treatment in the country.
Over six months after suspension of a questionable tender for the cyclotron machine purchase, the project authorities have again floated the same tender, allegedly breaching the directive of an official probe body.
Cyclotron machines produce radioisotopes required for treating cancer patients.
Following widespread criticism over foul play in the purchase process of three cyclotrons in August last year, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) formed a three-member investigation committee and the committee found proof of gross wrongdoing in the tender process. It even recommended that the authorities remove project director Dr M Monjur Ahasan for an alleged move to procure cyclotrons at inflated prices.
But instead of any move in that direction, the authorities have again floated the same tender to procure the machines, drawing flak from competitive bidders. Subsequently some of them even lodged complaints to the BAEC chairman against such tailor-made tender procedures allegedly floated to benefit particular quarters.
BAEC Chairman Dr Azizul Hoq did not respond to a phone call for his comments.
Project Director Dr M Monjur Ahasan could not answer the phone either and said he would respond if queries were made through text messages. However, no further responses were given.
The BAEC probe body that earlier recommended the removal of the project director over tender-related foul play was formed with three BAEC officials. One of them, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Dhaka Tribune that the committee had submitted the probe’s findings but declined to divulge any details.
Tradevision Ltd, a leading supplier of medical machines in the country, meanwhile lodged a complaint with the BAEC about the fresh tender that has recently been floated allegedly again with certain specifications that only one bidder can fulfil. It sought redress from the BAEC Chairman.
In Bangladesh, there was no radioisotope producing cyclotron machine up until 2011, when the privately-run United Hospital bought one. But it was after the installation of a cyclotron at publicly-operated Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) last year that the cost of treatment significantly came down for the benefit of cancer patients.
According to 2020 data by Global Cancer Observatory, 1.56 lakh new cancer patients are diagnosed in Bangladesh each year and over one lakh people die from cancer.