Shortage of drugs to treat NCDs in govt. hospitals in Keralam

Government hospitals in Keralam are grappling with a shortage of essential drugs for treating non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including medications for managing blood sugar, hypertension, and cholesterol. Despite assurances from authorities that these drugs will be back in stock within a week, the disruption in supply has raised concerns.

Medical officers stated that they had anticipated the shortage last month and took swift action to procure local stocks for their patients. However, smaller hospitals in panchayats are facing challenges due to insufficient funds for local purchases.

The Kerala Medical Services Corporation Limited (KMSCL), responsible for buying around ₹700-800 crore worth of medicines annually for the state's healthcare institutions, released only the first quarter's drug supplies this year. The second quarter release, scheduled for June, did not occur, leading to the current shortage. This delay, combined with the KMSCL's massive debt of over ₹2,200 crore to pharma firms, has resulted in cancelled supply orders and delays in placing fresh orders. In response, new procurement orders have been placed, with expected delivery within a week.

The Health Minister has directed that procurement procedures for the next financial year commence in October and be finalized by the end of December. He has also removed middlemen from tender processes and allowed agencies dealing directly in imported medicines to participate in tenders. Efforts are also underway to form a consortium with medical service corporations from other States to negotiate better prices for common purchase tenders.