SRINAGAR: In a major push to strengthen healthcare delivery across Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today directed the JK Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL) to ensure zero stock-outs of life-saving drugs and injections, particularly in emergency and trauma care units of all district hospitals.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar, the Minister took stock of JKMSCL’s functioning, inventory systems, procurement timelines and supply chain performance. She issued firm instructions to streamline the supply of critical medicines, with special emphasis on cancer and cardiac care drugs, across all government health institutions in the Union Territory.
“The health and well-being of the people is non-negotiable. We must ensure that no hospital, regardless of its location, faces a shortage of essential or emergency medicines,” the Minister asserted, underlining the urgency of a seamless and responsive medical supply system.
The meeting was attended by top officials including Secretary Health and Medical Education Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, CEO State Health Agency Ananth Dwivedi, MD JKMSCL Kapil Mishra, Directors of Health Services Kashmir and Jammu, and principals of various Government Medical Colleges. Officers also joined via video conferencing from across the regions.
Reviewing the district-wise supply status and real-time logistics gaps, Sakeena Itoo directed JKMSCL to adopt technology-enabled inventory tracking systems and enhance coordination with GMCs and CMOs. She also called for monthly audits to monitor the availability and utilisation of healthcare supplies, with a specific focus on underserved areas.
“The effectiveness of our health system is closely tied to the efficiency of medical supply chains. Any delay or lapse directly affects patient care,” she said, urging Directors of Health Services to send advance requisitions to the corporation.
She also emphasised stringent quality control measures, especially in the procurement of antibiotics and cardiovascular drugs, asking JKMSCL to avoid delays and ensure transparency and competitiveness in vendor selection. Proper monitoring of shelf-life, storage conditions, and distribution equity of medicines was also stressed upon.
The Minister reviewed the procurement and site-readiness for high-end medical equipment, including Tesla MRI machines, Cath Labs, CT Simulators, and surgical towers for transplant and microsurgeries. She instructed JKMSCL and health department officials to inspect and prepare installation sites in advance to avoid last-minute hold-ups.
In a separate session, the Minister also assessed the saturation levels of the Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY/SEHAT scheme, highlighting the government’s resolve for universal health coverage. She directed officials to simplify enrolment processes and intensify door-to-door awareness campaigns, particularly among nomadic groups, elderly citizens, and persons with disabilities.
“The objective of Ayushman Bharat and SEHAT is inclusivity and access. We must ensure that no family is denied their right to quality healthcare because of procedural bottlenecks or geographic barriers,” she said.
A detailed presentation by the CEO of the State Health Agency revealed statistics on golden card issuance, enrolled beneficiaries, and claims settled under the flagship scheme.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to accessible, equitable, and efficient healthcare, with the Minister instructing all departments to work in full coordination to uphold the health rights of every citizen in Jammu and Kashmir.
