Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Narottam Mishra has said that Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Free Medicine Distribution Scheme of the Madhya Pradesh Government will be expanded and effective treatment will also be provided to cancer and kidney patients.
The Health Minister informed that arrangements have been made for free medical tests of 48 types, supply of medicines of various diseases, Ambulance 108 and Janani Express to transport patients and free nutritious food in hospitals.
The Minister said that Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Free Medicine Distribution Scheme was launched in the State by the Health Department on November 17, 2012. The scheme conforms to the highest standards. There are arrangements in the State to purchase 454 types of medicines as per international norms of WHO-OGM. It has been studied by other States and World Bank experts and counted among country’s best systems. Other States also regard Madhya Pradesh’s medicine distribution system as ideal.
The Health Minister informed that free medicine distribution system is based on only generic medicines, which cost 25 per cent to 75 per cent less than branded medicines and are also more effective. They have no difference in packaging also. World’s 80 countries use generic medicines completely. India is a major exporter of these medicines.
Due to constraints of WHO-GMP, Madhya Pradesh procures export quality medicines and distributes them to about four lakh patients. Drug Inspectors under Controller of Drugs take examples of these medicines for testing from time to time. They are tested at state level lab. This lab tested quality of 3,255 samples from July 1, 2012 to May 31, 2014 of which only 147 were found sub-standard. Only two of the medicines belonged to medicine distribution scheme. It is 0.5 per cent of total medicines which is far below national norm of three to five per cent).
On the occasion, Principal Secretary Health Praveer Krishna informed that Directorate of Health had entered rate contract for 304 medicines at that time. After November 2012, lack of quality of general nature was found in only two generic medicines Zinc Sulphate and Providon Iodine.
Zinc tablets’ strength was correct, but change of colour was found. Iodine’s strength was found correct. Only PH Value was found less. Action was taken immediately after receipt of test report against concerning manufacturers.
Seven national level labs (NABl labs) have been authorised for testing quality of medicines at the level of Health Directorate. Samples have been sent constantly to these labs for testing. No medicine has been found sub-standard among 320 samples sent to these labs from April 2014 till date.