The Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department has reassured the public that there are no shortages of essential medications in the state’s public hospitals. They have confirmed that the supply remains stable, ensuring the availability of necessary drugs for patients throughout the state’s healthcare network.
Across Karnataka, there are 296 government hospitals and 2,531 primary health centers. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao explained that the annual medication needs of these institutions have been evaluated by the State Therapeutic Committee. The necessary medication list is then submitted to the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (KSMSCL) via the E-AUSHADA platform.
This initiative is part of the department’s ongoing commitment to maintain uninterrupted healthcare services and ensure the steady availability of essential medicines for patients in government hospitals.
During sessions held in Belagavi, Minister Rao responded to inquiries in the Legislative Council, affirming the state health facilities are fully stocked with required medicines.
KSMSCL sources these drugs through tenders in compliance with the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act, efficiently delivering them to district warehouses and subsequently to healthcare institutions, effectively preventing shortages.
Each district has been provided with a list of available medicines in KSMSCL’s drug warehouses. Public health establishments secure their required drugs by making requests to these district warehouses, according to Minister Rao’s statement in the Legislative Council.
Minister Rao further detailed that KSMSCL is in the process of supplying 732 different medicines needed for various healthcare levels for the year 2023-24. After tender completion, orders for 475 medicines have been issued, while tenders for 256 medicines with zero or incomplete bids are underway.
Regarding pharmaceutical outlets, Minister Rao noted that Karnataka has 37,130 private pharmacies, alongside seven Janata Bazaars, 23 Jana Sanjeevini Kendras, and 178 Jan Aushadhi Kendras operating within government hospital grounds. Inspections in 2023-24 led to the suspension of 1,245 licenses and cancellation of 292 for contraventions of the Drugs & Cosmetic Act & Rules.
The state’s drug control department continues to monitor psychotropic drug inventory and sales, rigorously inspecting for illegal sales and taking necessary enforcement actions. Additionally, annual three-day special inspections are conducted to curb drug misuse and penalize offending entities.
Of the total 112 drug inspector positions within the state’s drugs control division, only eight are currently occupied. Minister Rao has notified the Legislative Council of a proposal submitted to fill 83 vacant inspector posts through the Karnataka Public Service Commission.