SUPPLY OF DRUGS

Northern Advocate, 11 February 1931, Page 8

SUPPLY OF DRUGS

HOSPITAL BOARD’S NEEDS,

DEPUTATION FROM CHEMISTS.

The Whangarei Hospital Board yesterday received a deputation from loeal chemists in connection with the supply of drugs to the hospital.

Mr Menzies said ho understood that the wholesale houses wore, being asked for quotes for drugs for next year. It had been the practice to give the list -to the local chemists to supply prices also. Three years ago local prices beat those supplied by the Auckland wholesalers and apparently the drugs were all right. The deputation would like to know if the local chemists were to be given a chance of submitting prices. He suggested that a list of requirements be sent to all local chemists.

Air Mac Kay: “Has there been any suggestion that it should not bo opep to local chemists?’’

Dr. Hall said he was under the impression that if he got prices from Auckland and local chemists, the wholesalers would feel that their hands were tied and that they were not entitled to cut nut the local houses.

Mr Mcnzies said that that might apply to two houses but three or four others would not consider them one minute. Another point was that quite an unusual discount was allowed for hospital supplies, so local chemists could provide them and still make something. The deputation then' retired.

Dr. Hall said it was entirely a matter for the board. All he wanted was drugs as cheaply as possible. M.r Higginsou moved that the local chemists have access to the lists. Mr Elliott seconded this. He considered that the local men should have a chance. The chairman said it was .just a question whether or not they should call tenders as for everything else. Mr ,T. A. S. Mac Kay moved an amendment that open tenders be called.

Mr Higg'inson said that they would soon have the wholesale house tenders, and then the board was going to call for open tenders. The chairman agreed that it would be in conflict with a motion passed at the last meeting asking the Medical Superintendent to obtain prices. Mr Mac Kay agreed to withdraw his motion, and the original resolution was carried.