The Oncological Institute of Ljubljana, Slovenia’s leading cancer treatment and research center, has awarded a landmark €178.04 million framework agreement for the purchase and supply of pharmaceutical products. The multi-supplier agreement, finalized between late August and early September 2025, aims to ensure a reliable supply of critical medicines - including antitumor agents and biological drugs - for the next 30 months.
Contract Overview
Published in the Official Gazette S 177/2025 on 16 September 2025, this restricted procedure covers the procurement of pharmaceutical products (CPV 33600000) for use at the Oncological Institute of Ljubljana. The agreement, valued at €178.04 million (excluding VAT), runs from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2028, ensuring a consistent and long-term supply chain for the institute’s medical operations.
The framework agreement, executed under Directive 2014/24/EU, allows multiple qualified suppliers to provide various medicines in compliance with national regulatory standards. It is not financed by EU funds and not covered by the GPA, indicating a domestic public procurement focus.
Entities and Awardees
The Oncological Institute of Ljubljana, a public health authority under Slovenian law, serves as the contracting authority. Following a competitive process that attracted 19 tenders, 21 pharmaceutical and medical supply companies were selected to participate in the framework agreement.
Key awardees include:
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Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Transfusion Medicine
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Salus d.o.o. - A leading Slovenian wholesaler of pharmaceutical and medical products
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Sanolabor d.d. - A long-established supplier of laboratory and hospital equipment
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Medis d.o.o., Roche d.o.o., Bayer d.o.o., Kemofarmacija d.d., among others
Most of the winning companies are based in Ljubljana and Central Slovenia, reflecting the region’s strong pharmaceutical distribution network.
Significance and Impact
This large-scale procurement marks a strategic milestone in Slovenia’s public health sector. By securing a multi-year, multi-supplier framework, the Oncology Institute ensures uninterrupted access to life-saving medicines and enhances its capacity to deliver advanced cancer treatment.
The framework’s structure, which allows for reopening of competition among suppliers, promotes transparency, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility in responding to evolving therapeutic needs. It also supports domestic pharmaceutical enterprises, many of which are micro and small businesses, reinforcing Slovenia’s healthcare supply resilience.
Technical and Legal Criteria
To qualify, bidders were required to hold valid licenses for wholesale trade in medicinal products, issued by the Public Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices. The selection in Phase I focused on compliance, regulatory certification, and proof of professional competence in pharmaceutical distribution.
Conclusion
The Oncology Institute’s €178 million investment represents a robust commitment to strengthening Slovenia’s oncology infrastructure and pharmaceutical security. As the framework agreement moves into implementation, patients across the country stand to benefit from enhanced access to high-quality and innovative cancer therapies - a step that underscores Slovenia’s dedication to public health and medical excellence.
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