SHILLONG, April 9: With the aim of addressing one of the biggest health concerns afflicting citizens in the state — non-availability of essential medicines and lack of medical/ surgical equipment — the Meghalaya government has decided to set up an independent agency to be known as the Meghalaya Medical Drugs and Services Limited (MMDSL) to address this perennial problem.
Non-availability of essential drugs/ medicines in hospitals and health centres across the state is a common occurence which affects a large section of the population, especially in the rural pockets of the state.
A senior official of the Health Department on Sunday said that the independent agency will be responsible for procurement of essential drugs and medical equipment for the health centres in Meghalaya and also streamline a system for indent, supply, maintenance, and disposal of drugs/medicines.
According to the official, MMDSL would also improve the management of drug procurement and supply with special emphasis on logistics along with ensuring quality of drugs.
“It will oversee availability of essential drugs in the state. It will bring about a streamlined process for procurement, storage, and supply of all essential drugs and medical and surgical items to various government facilities under the Health and Family Welfare Department,” the senior official said, adding that MMDSL would also be responsible for maintenance of bio medical equipment and waste management.
According to the official, the agency is being created with the aim of making medical drugs and medical equipment easily available to the common people of the state besides rendering health-related services to the public.
“Indentation for drugs, consumables etc. shall be via an online portal – Drug Vaccine Distribution Management System — tentatively from April 16. No offline indent will be accepted thereafter,” the official said.
The official also mentioned that an exclusive team has been set up along with the existing members for procurement and distribution of drugs and medical equipment.
“Quality shall be monitored regularly and wastages to be kept at minimum,” the official added.
