KL Report
SRINAGAR
Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Monday has given his nod to the constitution of J&K Medical Supplies Corporation (JKMSC) to facilitate procurement of standard and quality drugs, ensure foolproof arrangements of testing and to economize the purchase of drugs, instruments and disposables and other equipments.
While approving a proposal in this regard at a high level meeting here today, the Chief Minister has also given nod to the constitution of Board of Directors of JKMSC to be headed by the Chief Minister as its Chairman and Minister for Medical Education and Minister of State for Health as Vice Chairmen, reads a statement.
Emphasizing on constitution of JKMSC in a time bound manner, the Chief Minister has directed for finalizing a comprehensive memo in this regard for the Cabinet. He has also received appraisal of the Drug Policy and sought its early finalization and implementation.
Omar Abdullah has said that patient care should be of highest importance and supply of quality medicines to hospitals be ensured hassle-free. He has also said that while testing of all drugs should be benchmark of procurement, their supply and procurement need to be balanced in such a manner that would ensure the flow of quality medicines to the hospitals uninterrupted. He has approved release of 100 percent plan allocation for testing facilities to the Health and Medical Education Departments and has directed for taking all necessary measures for upgrading testing facilities within the State. He said that possibility of roping in reputed private laboratories if need arises, should be explored to ensure quality and standard of drugs.
It was stated in the meeting that Jan Ashadhi Drug Stores would be opened in all district hospitals and associated hospitals and would be run by Red Cross Society to ensure supply of quality drugs to the patients on economic rates. It was stated that these stores would be made operational within the six months period.
In a PowerPoint presentation Commissioner Secretary MK Dwivedi highlighted the importance of JKMSC for streamlining the procurement and supply of quality medicines and other equipments to the government run hospitals and health institutions. He also explained the programme of setting up of Jan Ashadhi Drug Stores in government hospitals to be run through Red Cross Society. He detailed the prime role of the Board of Directors of JKMSC and steps underway for upgradation of testing laboratories, their extensions and creation of warehouse facilities at divisional headquarters and in the districts.
