Objectives

The primary objective is to procure a semi-automatic liquid filling machine for the pharmacy at Osindisweni Hospital. The equipment will be utilised for the accurate decanting, measuring, and packaging of liquid and semi-liquid medications, ensuring precise dosing, operational efficiency, and full compliance with provincial health technology standards.

Scope

The supplier is required to deliver, install, commission, and hand over one complete unit at the designated hospital. The scope includes provision of a starter pack containing all essential accessories for immediate operation, comprehensive operation and maintenance manuals, service/repair documentation, and calibration software. The contract encompasses a twelve-month guarantee commencing upon successful commissioning, which covers preventative maintenance, spare parts, technician travel, and downtime extensions. An official acceptance test must be conducted with the provincial Health Technology Services – Clinical Engineering division. All prices must be firm, inclusive of VAT and delivery, and quotations remain valid for ninety days.

Technical Requirements

• Operation & Control: Semi-automatic functionality with manual and automatic modes, driven by a programmable controller. Must feature adjustable motor speed for flow rate control and a variable timer for cycle termination.
• Pump System: Positive displacement rotary gear pump constructed from type 316 stainless steel, fitted with a non-return valve to prevent product cavitation.
• Capacity & Precision: Filling range of 20 millilitres to 8 litres with a batch accuracy tolerance of ±0.5%.
• Design & Hygiene: Portable tabletop unit enclosed in stainless steel. Internal piping must allow easy cleaning via simple flushing with cleaning agents.
• Electrical & Safety Compliance: Operates on 220V ±10%, 50Hz single-phase AC, fused in both live and neutral lines. Requires SABS-approved 15A plug and hospital-grade, colour-coded mains cable (minimum three metres). Must comply with IEC 60601-1 and 60601-1-2 standards, hold CE certification, and include electromagnetic interference protection.
• Documentation & Support: Submission of two sets of operation/maintenance manuals, detailed service/repair manuals (including circuit diagrams, PCB layouts, and calibration guides), and all necessary calibration software. Refurbished or reconditioned units are strictly prohibited.
• Service Infrastructure: Demonstration of a local service and repair facility in KwaZulu-Natal, or a formally appointed subcontractor with documented acceptance.

Skills Requirements

• Proven technical expertise in the installation, commissioning, and acceptance testing of medical/pharmaceutical equipment according to provincial health protocols.
• All servicing technicians must possess certified Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) training relevant to the quoted model.
• Capability to deliver structured training programmes for hospital end-users and in-house clinical engineering staff, culminating in the issuance of a Certificate of Competency within three months of delivery.
• Strong administrative and compliance capacity to navigate public procurement processes, including Central Suppliers Database (CSD) verification, SARS tax clearance validation, B-BBEE/disability ownership documentation, and strict adherence to mandatory returnable forms.
• Local logistical and after-sales support infrastructure within KwaZulu-Natal to guarantee timely spare parts availability, scheduled preventative maintenance, and rapid fault resolution.

Explanation of Unusual or Complicated Terms

• Health Technology Services – Clinical Engineering (H.T.S. – C.E.): The provincial health department’s specialised technical division responsible for the evaluation, acceptance, calibration, and lifecycle management of medical equipment. Their involvement mandates specific training certifications, formal acceptance testing, and ongoing technical oversight before equipment can be officially commissioned.
• Positive Displacement Rotary Gear Pump: A precision pumping mechanism that captures and transfers fixed volumes of fluid between interlocking gears. This design ensures highly accurate, consistent dispensing of viscous or shear-sensitive pharmaceutical products without degradation.
• SABS Colour-Coded Hospital-Grade Mains Cable: A South African Bureau of Standards-compliant power cord engineered for healthcare environments. It features reinforced insulation, superior strain relief, and standardised colour coding to guarantee electrical safety and seamless integration with hospital infrastructure.
• 80/20 Preference Point System: A South African preferential procurement scoring framework where eighty percent of evaluation points are allocated to price competitiveness and twenty percent to designated socio-economic goals, such as enterprises at least 51% owned by black persons with disabilities.