Assessment of Local (Domestic) Preference Adaptability in the Public Procurement Process for the Health Sector in Sri Lanka to Promote Local Economic Growth: A Survey-based Study

Abstract

In Sri Lanka (SL), public procurement guidelines should be followed by all public institutes, when procuring goods, works, or services. There are multiple guidelines relevant to be followed for this purpose to ensure the value for money of the public procurement process. The Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka has passed a national policy on sustainable consumption and production for Sri Lanka and two sections are allocated for public procurement and Health. According to the policy document, the Ministry of Health should ensure sustainable consumption practices in the health sector to be transformed into green work settings by 2030. Adoption of those green and SPP public procurement would maximize the value of public money while minimizing damage to the environment and maximizing economic, and social benefits to the public health sector in Sri Lanka. The Local preference is applicable for public procurement in Sri Lanka, where applicable. The Domestic preference supports the capacity development of local businesses of the home country, while able retain the public money within the country as it allows preference for local bidders when evaluating bids. The level of adaptability of this concept in the health sector, in Sri Lanka is accessed in this paper based on the survey conducted.