Overview
- Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said tenders worth about Rs 100 crore for medicine procurement will be issued soon with purchases made directly from pharmaceutical manufacturers.
- The government may amend the Drugs Act if required to ensure quality, with officials instructed to enforce strict standards for medicines supplied at public facilities.
- The Food and Civil Supplies Corporation was directed to buy medicines for Jan Aushadhi and other outlets directly from companies rather than authorised dealers.
- The procurement step follows a three-year Rs 3,000 crore upgrade plan that includes Rs 1,300 crore under JICA Phase-II for infrastructure and technology improvements.
- Reforms announced this weekend include decentralised financial powers for CMOs, BMOs and medical superintendents, ongoing recruitment of 236 doctors with 150 posts sanctioned, AIIMS-spec equipment replacements, and a March 31, 2026 deadline to finish health buildings already over 60% complete.