Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether there is any transparent procedure to procure medicines which could restrict buying of medicines at a very high cost;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Central Medical Service Committee constituted for this purpose has looked into the matter; and
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the necessary steps taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)
(a) to (d): There are transparent procedures to procure medicines. Open tenders are floated for procurement of medicines as per standard terms & conditions. Bid(s) received against such tenders which are evaluated by the duly constituted committee(s) as per due procedures. Medical Stores Organisation (MSO) has a formulary of drugs and in routine purchases, drugs from the formulary are purchased following due procedures. Central Government Health Services (CGHS), for non formulary medicines, prescribed to individual CGHS beneficiaries, empanels authorised local chemists.
Health is a State subject and States also procure medicines based on their requirements and on the basis of their procedures. Central Medical Services Society (CMSS) procures drugs following rules and procedures which include General Financial Rules, 2017. The procurement cost of medicines depends on various factors including economies of scale.