The director of Kaolack's El Hadji Ibrahima Niass Regional Hospital, Dr. Ousmane Guèye, has called for a reform of public market procedures for hospital equipment acquisition. He stated that current procedures are a major obstacle to quickly acquiring medical equipment. Dr. Guèye made these remarks during a ceremony to receive endoscopy equipment from the Senegalese Association for the Promotion of ORL (SENAPOR). The hospital's experience with lengthy procedures has hindered its ability to obtain necessary equipment.
Dr. Guèye revealed that his hospital launched several tenders in March 2025 to acquire equipment for various departments, including pneumology, urology, and neurosurgery, worth over 106 million CFA francs. However, none of the equipment has been received to date. The hospital was forced to cancel contracts and engage second-round bidders, who submitted proposals 26 million CFA francs higher than initial offers, without securing the needed equipment.
The current public market code has been criticized for being overly restrictive, limiting hospitals' flexibility in acquiring essential equipment. Dr. Guèye emphasized that the experience of medical professionals, who face equipment shortages daily, should be considered when developing acquisition procedures. He expressed optimism about the willingness of new hospital administrators to improve healthcare infrastructure and equipment.
SENAPOR's donation of ORL endoscopy equipment aims to enhance the care of children who have ingested or inhaled foreign objects. The association's secretary-general, Dr. El Hadji Malick Diop, explained that the equipment will enable local treatment, reducing the need for patients to be transferred to other healthcare facilities. This donation is expected to improve healthcare outcomes for children in the region.
The lack of suitable equipment previously forced some patients to be evacuated to other healthcare facilities, exposing them to risks associated with transportation delays and conditions. Dr. Diop cited common foreign objects ingested or inhaled by children, including coins, peanut seeds, fish bones, screws, and nails. The new equipment will help mitigate these risks.
Dr. Guèye pledged to optimize the use of donated equipment and ensure rigorous management to guarantee their long-term availability for patients. He also emphasized the importance of anticipating equipment renewal to maintain a consistent level of care. The hospital's efforts to improve equipment management and acquisition procedures are ongoing.
The event was attended by hospital administrators, including President of the Board of Directors, Ahmed Youssouf Bengelloune. The donation is part of SENAPOR's efforts to support healthcare development in Senegal. The association's initiative demonstrates the potential for collaboration between healthcare organizations and hospitals to address equipment shortages and improve patient care.
Key points
- Dr. Ousmane Guèye calls for reform of public market procedures to facilitate hospital equipment acquisition.
- Kaolack's El Hadji Ibrahima Niass Regional Hospital faces challenges in acquiring essential equipment due to bureaucratic processes.
- SENAPOR donates ORL endoscopy equipment to improve healthcare for children in the region.
