Department of Health Tenders 2026: Healthcare Procurement Guide

Healthcare is the second-largest category of government spending in South Africa. The national Department of Health and nine provincial health departments collectively procure over R250 billion annually in goods and services, from medical equipment and pharmaceuticals to hospital construction and healthcare IT systems.

National vs Provincial Health Procurement

National Department of Health

• National health policy and programme tenders
• Central pharmaceutical procurement (certain categories)
• Health information system tenders
• National health insurance (NHI) implementation

Provincial Health Departments

KZN Department of Health — The largest provincial health buyer, managing 74 hospitals and 600+ clinics. KZN health tenders are among the most frequent and highest-value opportunities in the country.

Gauteng Department of Health — Managing Chris Hani Baragwanath (the world's third-largest hospital), Charlotte Maxeke, Steve Biko, and other major facilities.

Eastern Cape Department of Health — Significant infrastructure needs with ongoing hospital construction and clinic upgrades.

Western Cape Department of Health — Groote Schuur, Tygerberg, and Red Cross Children's hospitals.

All other provinces — Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State, North West, and Northern Cape health departments all issue regular tenders.

High-Value Health Tender Categories

Medical Equipment (R15B+ annually)

• Diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI, X-ray)
• Laboratory equipment
• Patient monitoring systems
• Surgical equipment
• Dental equipment

Pharmaceuticals (R20B+ annually)

• ARV (antiretroviral) supply
• Chronic medication
• Surgical consumables
• Vaccines and immunisation
• Traditional pharmaceuticals

Hospital Infrastructure (R10B+ annually)

• Hospital construction and renovation
• Clinic construction
• Medical waste facilities
• Mortuary facilities
• Energy and water systems

Healthcare Services (R8B+ annually)

• Laundry services
• Catering and food services
• Security services
• Cleaning and waste management
• Patient transport (ambulance services)

Health IT (R5B+ annually)

• Hospital information systems
• Electronic health records
• Telemedicine platforms
• Laboratory information systems

SAHPRA Requirements

Medical device and pharmaceutical suppliers must comply with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA):

• Product registration and licensing
• Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
• Quality management systems
• Adverse event reporting

How to Find Health Tenders

1. Search by department — Filter ProTenders for Department of Health tenders.
2. Search by province — Find KZN health tenders, Gauteng health tenders, etc.
3. Search by category — Medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, construction, services.
4. Set up alerts — Daily email notifications for new health procurement opportunities.

B-BBEE Requirements

Health departments apply standard PPPFA requirements:

• B-BBEE Level 1-4 preference points
• Local pharmaceutical manufacturing encouraged
• SMME participation targets
• Black-owned medical device suppliers supported

Find health tenders:

Search health tenders | KZN health | Gauteng health | Set up alerts