Apart from general patients, now cancer patients will also be provided free generic medicines in district hospitals of the state.
This will be implemented in 25 districts in the first phase. Chemotherapy system for cancer patients will also be improved. Dialysis facility has already been started in district hospitals. So far, patients in eight districts are availing this facility.The benefit of free distribution of generic medicines under Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Yojana is being made available to 4 to 5 lakh patients daily. Patients are getting quality health services including free pathology tests, food and transport.
The issues being raised pertain to a 4 years old report of Accountant General Gwalior regarding government procurement process. The department is already taking necessary action on the said report.The factual position is that about 60 percent countries in the world use only generic medicines. The state government is saving about Rs. 1,000 crore through purchase of generic medicines. Generic medicines are same as branded medicines in chemical formation, purity, safety and effect.
The old cases are being pushed obviously by the companies whose interests are being hit. Only certified generic medicines purchased in state.
The Health department is procuring generic medicines only from WHO-GMP-certified manufacturers through e-tendering. Drug Policy-2009 is effective in the state. Medicine procurement was made through country’s best institutions TNMSC in year 2010-11 and 2011-12. The generic medicines costing Rs45 thousand are equal to branded medicines of Rs5 to Rs10 lakh.