Question : AVAILABILITY OF ESSENTIAL MEDICINES



(a) the details of medicines included in the National List of Essential Medicine (NLEM) by the Government;

(b) whether there is shortage/unavailability of these medicines in Government hospitals in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(d) the steps taken/proposed by the Government to ensure their adequate availability in hospitals; and

(e) the quantum of medicines supplied to various States and criteria adopted for the purpose during each of the last three years and the current year so far, State/UT-wise?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABIAZAD)

(a) The National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM), 2011 consists of 348 medicines belonging to 27 therapeutic categories such as antineoplastic, anti- cancer, imrnunologieal, anti infective Cardiovascular, ophthalmological preparations, Diuretics, anti-allergic etc. The entire list running in 123 pages is uploaded on the website of Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) at www.cdsco.nic.in.

(b) No.

(c)&(d) Do not arise,

(e) Necessary details are being collected and will be laid on the table of the House.