(a) the present status of the implementation of the scheme for distributing free essential drugs, if so, the details, State-wise;
(b) the total number of medicines provided under the scheme so far, State/ UT-wise;
(c) whether the Government proposes to reduce the number of medicines being provided under the scheme; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)
(a): Public Health being a state subject, under the National Health Mission (NHM), financial support is provided to the States/UTs for strengthening their healthcare delivery system including support for provision of free drugs to those who access public health facilities based on requirements posed by States/UTs in their Programme Implementation Plans. Under the NHM-Free drug service Initiative, subs- tantial funding is also provided to States/UTs subject to the following conditions:
# It notifies or has a clearly notified policy of providing free essential drugs to all patients coming to public sector health facilities at least upto District Hospital level,
# It has/ creates a robust procurement, logistics & supply chain system that is IT backed,
# It has differential facility-wise Essential Drug List depending on the nature of the facility,
# It has a sound drug regulatory and quality assurance system,
# It lays down Standard Treatment Guidelines and provides for prescription audits to ensure rational use of drugs, and further
The state-wise approvals provided for NHM- Free Drugs Service Initiative are at Annexure
(b): Public health being a state subject, the number of medicines that are provided in public health facilities is decided by the States/UTs. Hence the number of medicines in free drugs list varies from State to State.
(c): There is no such proposal.
(d): Does not arise in view of (c) above.