CT scanners for state-run hospitals to be supplied by five companies

CT scanners for state-run hospitals will be supplied by five companies, namely Siemens, Intes Poprad, Audioscan, S&T Slovakia and Meditrade, according to the results of a central procurement regarding the purchase of CT scanners presented by the Health Ministry at a press conference in Bratislava on Wednesday. Non-profit organisations and hospitals under the remit of self-governing regions will be able to purchase CT scanners through these contracts as well. According to Health Minister Tomáš Drucker (a Smer-SD nominee), hospitals should thus be able to purchase at prices 30-40 percent lower than current standard ones in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Drucker said that the central procurement of CT scanners has created a precedent for other tenders. "We've gained know-how for the procurement of further devices and equipment for hospitals," said the minister, adding that the central procurement of linear accelerators used to treat cancer patients will be launched early next year. Its value is estimated at €22 million, and two-year contracts should be signed with the winners.