Procurement Process

The MOPH will provide guidance for the overall implementation POC testing in collaboration with the other partners. Device placement decisions should be made in accordance with MOPH site selection/prioritization list and should be timed according to the phased rollout of the technology. For device procurement by partner organizations specifically for government owned health facilities procurement should happen in consultation with MOPH and in addition, the following details must be provided to MOPH and the various regions at the time of its placement to avoid duplication, ensure the reagent supply availability and the smooth implementation of the technology:

– Number of POCT devices to be procured
– Serial number of each POCT device
– Date of installation at each facility
– Expected patient volumes at each potential facility
– Proposed training schedule and plan
– Contact information for laboratory personnel or on-site focal person.

At the time of device placement, partners should ensure there is full coordination with MOPH, which will allow for ongoing supply of reagents to each facility receiving a device. An efficient distribution system is critical to respond to the supplies needs at individual sites. Scheduled distribution of supplies and reagents to health facilities will be maintained. For this, forecasting of reagents for each of the POCT devices will be conducted based on the test volumes expected from the number of patients that are currently on ART and in pre-ART care in the selected sites, the expected number of newly identified HIV individuals requiring a POC test, and the current CD4 sample referral volumes. Additionally, data acquired from each POCT device through connectivity can be used to assist with reagent forecasting. Forecasts will be updated at regular intervals.

In order to place a POCT device at a facility, it is critical that partners have the full approval of the MOH and follow the guidelines for site selection prioritization outlined in this document.