(a) whether the Government are aware that the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) does not have its own on-campus drug outlet despite a clause in chapter IV of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, that allows a medical institutions to open drug store without a license; and
(b) if so, the steps Government propose to take in this regard to ameliorate the difficulties facing the patients?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. There is a proposal for opening of drug stores in the Institute Campus. A tender has been issued in this regard. Though the Institute does not have its own drug outlet, some private drug store chemists who are located in the proximity of the Institute are currently meeting the demand of the patients.