PureHealth, the largest integrated healthcare network in the Middle East, has announced that its subsidiary Rafed, the UAE’s first and largest group purchasing organisation primarily focused on healthcare procurement, was awarded the Sustainable Procurement Project of the Year and Public Procurement Project of the Year categories at the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) MENA Conference and Excellence in Procurement Awards.

The awards were presented during a ceremony hosted by CIPS, a UK-based organisation operational in 180 countries that provides procurement professionals with chartered status and advocates best practices in terms of processes and policies. David Taylor, the global CCO of CIPS, was present on the occasion.

The awards were received despite tough competition from other top local and international companies across the MENA region.

Shaista Asif, Group Chief Operating Officer of PureHealth, said: “We are proud of Rafed’s outstanding achievements. As Rafed continues to revolutionise procurement practices and reduce healthcare costs in the UAE and beyond, these awards serve as a testament to their unwavering dedication, exceptional projects, and commitment to delivering excellence in every aspect of their operations. At PureHealth, we are fully committed to promoting local economic growth, fostering job creation, and nurturing a sustainable ecosystem within our country. Through active participation, collaboration with local stakeholders, and investment in indigenous capabilities, we remain dedicated towards the National In-Country Value Program. These awards showcase PureHealth’s relentless pursuit of excellence and reinforce our position as a National Healthcare Champion.”

Mohammad Mustafa Saeed, Chief Executive Officer of Rafed, said: “We are honored to receive two awards from a prestigious organisation such as CIPS, which is a testimony of our efforts in sustainability and the public procurement space. These awards reinforce the dedication and efforts of our entire procurement team and demonstrate the invaluable contributions that Rafed delivers to our clients, stakeholders, and end users. We remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering exceptional procurement outcomes that contribute to the betterment of healthcare services and ultimately benefit the communities we serve.”

A spokesperson for CIPS UAE said: “We are pleased to recognise PureHealth and its subsidiary Rafed for their outstanding accomplishments in sustainable and public procurement. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to others in the industry and highlight the transformative impact that effective procurement strategies can have on healthcare organisations. By securing the Sustainable Procurement Project of the Year and Public Procurement Project of the Year awards at the CIPS MENA Conference and Excellence in Procurement Awards, PureHealth has demonstrated its leadership in driving sustainable practices and delivering value to the healthcare sector in the UAE. We congratulate PureHealth and Rafed on this well-deserved recognition."

The awards organised by CIPS are considered the most prestigious and globally recognised and are known for their transparency and fairness. The awards are judged by a panel of procurement leaders from a variety of sectors across the region, who decide the winners based on their demonstration of best practices to the highest standards.

The awards also recognise Rafed’s services, which seek to reduce operating costs for healthcare providers and ensure effective procurement and delivery mechanisms by establishing competitive contracts with leading suppliers.

The recognition is part of PureHealth and Rafed’s commitment to elevating the healthcare sector, with the aim to contribute to the future vision of the UAE to become one of the leading countries in the world in terms of the quality of healthcare services. PureHealth is working with Rafed and other group companies to promote a healthier lifestyle in the UAE, and beyond, and help ensure people live longer, healthier, happier, and fuller lives, in line with the group’s vision of longevity.