FAQS
What is HealthPRO?
HealthPRO is Canada's healthcare group purchasing organization (GPO), advancing the purchasing interests of hospitals, provincial authorities and shared service organizations (SSOs) from coast to coast to coast. With more than 260 members representing over 800 hospitals across seven provinces and the Territories, HealthPRO's national collective efforts save members hundreds of millions of dollars that can be directed where it is needed most - to frontline patient care.
How does HealthPRO benefit its members?
HealthPRO brings together the most significant purchasing power ever assembled within Canada's healthcare system. This purchasing power generates savings which are delivered to members as product price savings and patronage dividends.
HealthPRO offers members a comprehensive range of product and service contracts, a benchmark evaluation process and a unique policy of choice and flexibility.
Members benefit from educational and networking opportunities, peer-to-peer support and information sharing through national committees that direct HealthPRO's work within each of our core service areas.
How do you work?
HealthPRO operates under an integrated, collaborative and responsive operating model. Our goals are:
- Member input and participation on local, regional and national levels;
- Fair, open and transparent practices that promote competition; and
- Industry leadership through knowledge sharing and education.
What does it mean to join HealthPRO?
When a hospital or health region joins HealthPRO and pays their annual membership fee, they become a full and equal shareholder in the HealthPRO business. They are entitled to participate in as many contracts as they choose. The membership fee is set and does not fluctuate based on contract participation.
Who makes the decision on contract awards?
HealthPRO product and contract decisions are driven by our Member Advisory Committees. A committee of end-user experts from member facilities across Canada makes recommendations on products and contracts in each of our Services and we rely on their expertise during the award process.
Do you post your RFP's on an electronic bulletin board?
Yes, to comply with the agreement on Internal Trade we use several electronic notification and delivery service for publicly posting Requests For Information and Requests For Proposal. We currently post on Bidingo, BC bids, Alberta Purchasing Connection, Bids.ca
Posting on these electronic bulletin boards benefits the HealthPRO shareholder by attracting interest from a wide variety of suppliers. The process also allows smaller vendors to compete regionally while having the opportunity to grow their business.
Does HealthPRO comply with provincial procurement legislations?
Yes. To achieve the best contracts for its members, HealthPRO follows fair, open and transparent evaluation and procurement practices. This is evidenced by our compliance with the Ontario Ministry of Finance Broader Public Sector Supply Chain Directives, the Agreement on Internal Trade, the New West Partnership and other provincial procurement legislation governing our membership.
How do I know that products are of the highest quality?
To ensure that awarded products meet a high standard of quality and safety, HealthPRO follows a rigorous product evaluation process driven by its member expert committees. Product advisory committees include qualified experienced end-users from member facilities across the country.
How do I know that I am getting the best price with HealthPRO?
Our national collective purchasing power allows HealthPRO to negotiate the best price with manufacturers and distributors on behalf of our members.
What is HealthPROCONNECT and how do I use it?
HealthPROCONNECT is HealthPRO’s proprietary contract management software which members use to complete contract commitment surveys and receive and download HealthPRO contract information.
A user name and password is required to access HealthPROCONNECT. For more information and training, please contact our Information Technology Director at (905) 568-3478 x242.