Objectives

To procure and deliver one fully compliant shortwave diathermy unit to the Ugu District Office, supporting physiotherapy and minor surgical procedures while meeting strict provincial health technology, safety, and clinical operational standards.

Scope

• Delivery & Commissioning: One-off supply, transport, delivery, and installation of a single diathermy unit at the designated district facility.
• Inclusions: Complete starter pack, all essential accessories, dual sets of user and service manuals, comprehensive technician and end-user training, and a minimum twelve-month warranty.
• Evaluation Framework: Bids utilise an 80/20 preference point system (80% price, 20% specific socio-economic goals). Suppliers must be registered on the Central Supplier Database (CSD), hold valid SARS tax clearance, and submit BBBEE certificates. Second-hand or expired goods are strictly rejected.

Technical Requirements

• Core Functionality: The unit must support both pulsed and continuous therapy modes. (Diathermy uses high-frequency electromagnetic energy to generate therapeutic deep tissue heat for rehabilitation and surgery.)
• Power & Frequency: Approximately 1000W peak output in pulsed mode and 0–400W in continuous mode (70Ω load). Operating frequency must be typically 27MHz.
• Pulse Parameters: Variable pulse repetition frequency (15–200Hz) with at least ten selectable steps; pulse duration approximately 400μs.
• Timer & Safety Controls: Digital countdown timer (0–30 minutes) with audible warning and automatic shut-off. Switching between pulsed and continuous modes requires the intensity to be set to minimum first. Automatic load-tuning maintains constant output during patient movement.
• Build & Compliance: Robust, spill-resistant casing. Must comply with IEC 60601-2-3 (International safety standard specifying requirements for shortwave therapy equipment). Mains cable must be hospital-grade, SANS colour-coded, minimum three metres, fitted with a 15A approved plug.
• Electrodes & Accessories: Inclusion of reusable glass/plastic capacitive and inductive rubber electrodes (small, medium, large pairs). Adjustable/swivel electrode arms, compatible interface cables, dedicated hand tools, and test lamps are mandatory.
• Certification: Equipment must bear a CE mark or hold a valid Radiation Control licence (Mandatory regulatory approval for medical/electronic devices in South Africa).
• Documentation: Two English copies each of original user/operation and service/repair manuals, plus technical data sheets and colour brochures.

Skills and Service Requirements

• Local Support Infrastructure: Bidder must operate an established service and repair facility within KwaZulu-Natal.
• Technician Qualifications: All servicing personnel must be Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)-trained. Proof of certification must accompany the submission.
• Advanced Training: Successful bidder must deliver factory-equivalent training to Department technicians, covering calibration, maintenance, and PCB-level repairs (Direct circuit board diagnosis and component-level replacement), within three months of delivery. Ongoing end-user training must also be provided at no extra cost.
• Warranty & Maintenance: Twelve-month warranty covering all labour, spare parts, travel, and mandatory QA testing. Equipment downtime extends the warranty period on a day-for-day basis. Future software/hardware upgrades impacting patient safety must be supplied free of charge.
• Regulatory & Contractual Compliance: Bidders must disclose subcontractors, provide OEM appointment letters, and ensure all goods meet South African regulatory standards. The department reserves the right to evaluate unfamiliar models through clinical and technical committees before award.