The some 3,000 French hospitals and clinics are now encouraged to buy in France and in Europe their masks, gloves and protective equipment against contamination, after the sending of a government circular to this effect to "
guarantee the supply in case new global pandemic
”.
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The circular "
relating to the securing of the process of purchasing critical supplies and equipment
" made public on Thursday is dated December 15. It was sent to all the regional health authorities (ARS) which oversee the management of health establishments. Initially, the equipment identified as critical are sanitary gloves, as well as surgical masks and FFP2 masks, more airtight and more filtering, in the shape of a duckbill, which protect both the wearer and those around them.
To promote the purchase of locally produced products, the specifications of the purchasing communities will have to be more demanding in terms of compliance with European standards, quality control of masks, minimum stock levels, the carbon footprint of masks and delivery times. , indicates the circular.
“
Heavy penalties
” will be considered in the event of a high rate of non-compliance with the technical quality requirements of the equipment, or the specified delivery times.
"Immediate effect"
These purchasing methods are made applicable "
with immediate effect to all public health establishments and public pooled purchasing operators intervening for the benefit or on behalf of health establishments
" specifies the text.
"
Between summer 2020 and summer 2021, 97% of calls for tenders were allocated to import masks, ordered mainly by local authorities
" underlined Christian Curiel, president of the French union of mask manufacturers F2M and Managing Director of the company Prism, based in Frontignant (Hérault), congratulating AFP on this initiative, requested for more than a year by French manufacturers and already implemented in other European countries.