Guwahati, Assam: Assam has emerged as one of the country’s leading states in ensuring the availability of essential medicines at government health facilities, with the state securing the second position nationally in this category, according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The recognition highlights the growing emphasis on improving access to healthcare services, particularly for patients who depend on government hospitals and health centres for treatment and medicines. The chief minister welcomed the development, stating that the real measure of success lies in whether patients can obtain required medicines without difficulty when they visit public healthcare institutions.
Health Minister Ashok Singhal also highlighted the state’s performance, noting that Assam had achieved a high national ranking in making medicines listed under the Essential Drugs List available through government-run health facilities.
Over the past few years, the state has undertaken a series of measures aimed at strengthening the public healthcare supply chain. These include streamlining the procurement process, improving inventory management and expanding the free distribution of medicines under programmes implemented through the National Health Mission.
A significant role in this effort has been played by the Assam Medical Services Corporation Limited, which oversees the procurement and distribution of medicines and medical supplies for government healthcare institutions. Officials maintain that a centralised approach has helped improve efficiency, maintain quality standards and reduce disruptions in supply.
The state’s healthcare network, ranging from primary health centres to district hospitals and medical colleges, has increasingly relied on this system to ensure a steady flow of essential medicines to patients. The initiative is also intended to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare, particularly among economically vulnerable sections of society.
Government officials said consistent monitoring of stock positions, improved logistics and coordination among healthcare institutions have contributed to the state’s performance. Recent health-sector assessments have also cited Assam’s procurement and distribution framework as a noteworthy example of strengthening medicine availability within public health systems.
Congratulating officials and personnel associated with the programme, the chief minister said the achievement should encourage the health department to continue improving service delivery and expand access to affordable healthcare across the state.
