Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 9: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today emphasized on stricter quality checks and greater accountability in the procurement and supply of medicines and medical equipments for Health facilities across Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that patient safety remains Government’s top priority.
The Minister made these remarks while chairing a high-level review meeting at Civil Secretariat here to assess the performance and functioning of Jammu & Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL).
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education (H&ME), M Raju; MD NHM, Akriti Sagar; MD JKMSCL, Tariq Hussain Ganie; Director SKIMS, Prof M. Ashraf Ganie; Director Finance H&ME, Director Planning H&ME, Director Health Services Kashmir/Jammu, Principals of all GMCs, Principal Dental College Srinagar/Jammu, State Drug Controller, Medical Superintendents of all Hospitals, Chief Medical Officers and other concerned officers attended the meeting, either in person or through video conferencing.
Addressing the officers during the meeting, the Minister underlined the impact of corporation’s responsibilities, stating that JKMSCL plays a vital role in public healthcare delivery system by ensuring timely availability of medicines, surgical consumables and medical equipments in Government health institutions. “Any compromise in quality, transparency or efficiency will not be tolerated, as it directly affects patient safety and credibility of the public health system”, she maintained.
While reviewing quality control measures and other protocols, the Minister instructed the MD to maintain constant check on the quality of medicines and equipments procured by the Corporation. “Tighten quality control protocols at every stage, from procurement and testing to storage and final distribution”, she said.
The Minister further instructed the corporation to ensure that only certified, safe and standard-compliant medicines and equipment reach Government hospitals, warning that any negligence in quality verification will invite strict action.
“Conduct regular quality audits, enhanced laboratory testing and strict vendor scrutiny so that suppliers adhere fully to prescribed standards and contractual obligations”, the Minister maintained.
While reviewing procurement procedures, supply chain management, inventory status, vendor performance and existing quality testing mechanisms of the corporation, the Minister directed the MD to take action against firms/vendors delaying supply of essential drugs or medical equipments. She also sought a detailed report from the Corporation on action taken since 2021 against ill-performing firms/vendors.
Emphasising on timely availability of life saving drugs, the Minister delved on the Corporation to follow protocol of prominent medical institutions regarding Cancer medicines. She directed all medical Superintendents and hospital administrators to submit life saving drug requirements as per that protocol.
Highlighting the challenges faced by healthcare institutions in far-flung and rural areas, the Minister instructed JKMSCL to improve supply chain coordination and maintain adequate buffer stocks of essential medicines and life-saving equipment so that hospital faces no shortages.
She also directed the corporation to strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms and ensure immediate response to complaints from healthcare institutions regarding supply delays or quality issues.
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