: The Odisha government took an important step forward to embark on a full-fledged free drug distribution scheme by launching the e-procurement system of Odisha State Medical Corporation (OSMC) here on Monday.
E procurement process
Under the e-procurement system, the OSMC will now procure a huge quantity of drugs, which are to be distributed through government-run hospitals. Apart from this, medical equipment, surgical instrument and furniture will also be obtained through the corporation.
“From the next financial year, the free drug distribution scheme will get a boost as medicines to be procured by our medical corporation will be available at hospital level. The e-procurement systems will ensure transparency in procurement of all drugs and medical equipment,” said Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, State Health and Family Welfare minister.
Managing Director of OSMC Roopa Mishra said, “Under the free drug distribution scheme, the corporation will procure primary, secondary and tertiary medicines. In the current practice, tertiary medicines, which are required for critical ailments such as cancer and special surgeries, are not obtained. These costly medicines will, however, be available in selected hospitals.”
“In the first year (2015-16), the budget for drug procurement has finalised at Rs. 200 crore. We have identified as many as 570 medicines,” Ms Mishra said.
Zero wastage
She said, “The corporation has taken precaution to cut down wastage of medicines to zero. In the first place, the assessment of total drug demand will be carefully done by State Drug Management Unit (SDMU), which has so far been carrying out free drug distribution on a limited scale.”
Audits and guidelines
Besides, SDMU will conduct a prescription audit, preparation of essential medicine list and make standard treatment guidelines, OSMC MD said. Medicines will be stocked at warehouses at 32 headquarter hospitals, three medical college hospitals, Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre and Mental Health Institute, Cuttack. The block level warehouses are now being developed on war-footing.
Transporting medicines
“The corporation will also be responsible for transporting medicine to the primary health centre. The selection of medicines to hospitals will be done by keeping in mind the facilities and specialist doctors available in that hospital,” Ms Mishra said.
Health Secretary Arti Ahuja was present at the function marking launching of OSMC’s e-procurement system.
In current practice, tertiary medicines, which are required for cancer, are not obtained. These costly medicines will now be available in selected hospitals
