SNS Suspends Nutrition Service Tender
The National Health Service (SNS) of the Dominican Republic has announced the suspension of a contracting process for nutrition services. The executive director of the SNS, Dr. Julio Landrón, confirmed the decision on February 17, 2026, citing complaints of illegality and a lack of transparency in the process. An exhaustive technical and administrative evaluation revealed 'observations and deficiencies in the initial technical sheet' of the tender.
The contracting process, which was initiated in December 2025 by the institution's Purchasing and Contracting Committee, had been continued by the current administration. However, the subsequent review led to its formal paralysis and public announcement.
Comprehensive Review and Future Plans
In response to the identified issues, Dr. Landrón has ordered the immediate suspension of all ongoing bidding processes within the SNS. This includes tenders for both nutrition and dialysis services. The aim is to conduct a thorough review in conjunction with the General Directorate of Public Procurement (DGCP). The objective of this joint review is to ensure strict adherence to current regulations and to strengthen the principles of transparency, equity, and free competition as established in Law 340-06. The SNS emphasized its commitment to preserving the continuous supply of services to patients throughout this process.
Looking ahead, the SNS plans to launch new tenders for nutrition services. These will be conducted directly within public hospitals, tailored to the specific needs of each health center, and will benefit from the accompaniment and supervision of the DGCP to ensure more efficient and transparent processes.
Background of Alleged Irregularities
This decision follows earlier denunciations by the Dominican Alliance Against Corruption (ADOCCO), which had raised concerns about alleged irregularities and a lack of transparency in SNS contracts for dialysis and nutrition services dating back to August 2020. ADOCCO's reports, which focused on the previous administration under Dr. Mario Lama, highlighted contracts worth billions of pesos awarded through 'exception processes' to a limited number of companies, including Macrotech Farmacéutica, Hospifar, and CIMER.
While the DGCP, through its director Carlos Pimentel, had previously defended the 'exclusivity' modality used in some of these contracts as a legal tool for specialized services with limited providers, the SNS's current action underscores a commitment to re-evaluate and ensure the integrity of its procurement processes.
5 Comments
Michelangelo
The commitment to new tenders directly in hospitals is a positive change for local needs. Still, the previous administration's issues highlight a systemic problem that requires more than just process adjustments.
ZmeeLove
While the suspension shows a commitment to transparency, it also exposes how deeply entrenched these issues were, going back years. We need to ensure that this isn't just a temporary fix but a permanent shift in procurement culture.
Habibi
It's commendable that Dr. Landrón is reviewing past processes for irregularities. However, the DGCP previously defended some of these 'exclusivity' contracts, which raises questions about consistent standards.
Muchacho
While it's good that the SNS is addressing transparency issues, I hope this suspension doesn't lead to a significant delay in essential nutrition services for patients. Patient care must remain the top priority.
Habibi
Just political posturing, nothing will truly change.