Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made a significant announcement on Monday. He revealed that the state government will soon invite tenders worth approximately Rs 100 crore for the procurement of medicines. This move aims to ensure participation from reputed pharmaceutical companies across the country.
Focus on Quality Healthcare
Chairing a meeting with health department officials in Shimla, Sukhu emphasized the urgent need to provide quality medicines to patients visiting government health institutions. He stated clearly that drugs will be procured directly from manufacturers. This direct approach is designed to guarantee that world-class medicines become available throughout Himachal Pradesh.
Direct Procurement Strategy
Sukhu directed the food and civil supplies corporation to take immediate action. He instructed them to procure medicines for Jan Aushadhi and other outlets directly from pharmaceutical companies. This instruction specifically bypasses authorised dealers, aiming to cut costs and improve efficiency.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the government is continuously working to reform and improve the state's healthcare sector. A strong focus remains on delivering top-quality medical services to all residents within Himachal Pradesh.
Legislative Support if Needed
Sukhu also indicated a willingness to make necessary amendments to the Drugs Act. He stated that such changes would be considered to safeguard public interest and maintain high standards in healthcare delivery. This shows the government's commitment to overcoming any legal hurdles.
Judicious Use of Public Funds
Reiterating a key principle, Sukhu affirmed that sufficient funds are available for this initiative. However, he stressed that public money must be used judiciously and solely for the welfare of the people. He underscored that access to quality medicines is not just important; it is crucial for providing better healthcare overall.
The ultimate goal, as stated by the Chief Minister, is to ensure world-class health facilities for every resident of Himachal Pradesh. This Rs 100 crore tender announcement marks a concrete step towards transforming that vision into reality.
