Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 6 (PTI) Keralam Health Minister K Muraleedharan on Tuesday said the supply of medicines at government hospitals in the state has been streamlined.
The minister said the availability of essential medicines, including life-saving drugs, medicines for lifestyle diseases and antibiotics, was reviewed at a high-level meeting of the Health Department.
Muraleedharan sought details from District Medical Officers on the availability of medicines in each district.
Steps have been taken to ensure that medicines procured through the Kerala Medical Services Corporation Ltd (KMSCL) reach health centres from district stores without delay, he said in a statement.
Some medicines for cancer, heart diseases and mental health conditions are expected to become fully available shortly. Until then, medical officers have been asked to ensure their availability through local purchases, the minister said.
He also directed officials to ensure the availability of Factor IX for haemophilia patients. KMSCL officials informed the meeting that supplies would be made available within two days, as required, at places where stocks are currently low.
The minister directed district-level medicine monitoring committees to closely monitor stocks at all institutions and take advance measures to prevent shortages.
He also directed officials to coordinate with other departments and local self-government bodies to strengthen measures against communicable diseases such as dengue and leptospirosis.
District Medical Officers were asked to examine the possibility of extending 24-hour specialist services to more institutions.
The minister also directed officials to monitor the functioning of the 108 ambulance service to ensure it operates properly, the statement said. LGK KH
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