Chandigarh: In a major push to strengthen public healthcare, the Haryana Government has directed all government hospitals to maintain medicine stock records on a real-time centralised portal, ensuring transparency and eliminating the need for patients to purchase medicines from outside.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said doctors must first check medicine availability through the system before prescribing. If any medicine is unavailable, doctors will be required to clearly mention it on the OPD slip. He emphasized that Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) will be held responsible for strict compliance.
The Chief Minister reviewed key aspects of healthcare delivery, including medicine availability, medical equipment, OPD management, staffing, procurement systems, and overall patient care. He made it clear that shortages of medicines at any level will not be tolerated and directed officials to implement a robust monitoring system to ensure timely replenishment.
To avoid stock gaps, CMOs have been instructed to communicate medicine requirements to empanelled suppliers at least four days in advance. The Chief Minister also called for annual empanelment of suppliers and a more streamlined procurement process.
Taking a firm stand against unnecessary prescriptions, Saini directed strict action against doctors who continue to prescribe outside medicines without valid reasons, stressing that patients should not bear additional financial burdens.
Focusing on healthcare infrastructure, the Chief Minister ordered the expansion of advanced diagnostic facilities such as CT scans and MRI across all districts. While such facilities have already been established in 10 districts, he directed officials to ensure coverage in the remaining 12 districts at the earliest.
He also stressed the need for adequate staffing in hospitals, directing officials to ensure sufficient availability of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff based on patient load. Until full-time specialists are appointed, doctors will be hired on a contractual basis to maintain uninterrupted services.
Highlighting accountability, Saini directed that performance monitoring systems be strengthened with clearly defined responsibilities for CMOs and adherence to district-wise targets.
The Chief Minister further called for transparent, efficient, and time-bound procurement of medicines and equipment, with strict adherence to quality standards.
Emphasising patient experience, he directed improvements in hospital cleanliness, management systems, and feedback mechanisms to ensure a more patient-friendly environment.
During the meeting, officials also reviewed progress under key initiatives, including medical colleges, e-Upchar services, and the Ayushman scheme, along with preparedness in terms of medicine stock, ambulance fuel, and food arrangements for patients. Authorities confirmed that adequate arrangements are in place with no shortages reported.
Senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Health Dr. Sumita Misra, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Arun Gupta, NHM Mission Director R.S. Dhillon, and Director General Health Services Dr. Manish Bansal, were present at the meeting.
SOURCE : Babushahi
