SRINAGAR, June 4: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the performance and functioning of the Jammu & Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL).
During the review, the Minister undertook a detailed assessment of procurement mechanisms, inventory management, medicine distribution networks, quality assurance protocols, supply chain operations, vendor performance and ongoing procurement projects relating to medicines, medical equipment and healthcare infrastructure.
Addressing the officers, Sakeena Itoo underscored the pivotal role played by JKMSCL in ensuring the uninterrupted availability of quality medicines, surgical consumables, diagnostic supplies and medical equipment in government healthcare institutions. She observed that a responsive and well-monitored supply system is fundamental to strengthening public healthcare services and improving patient outcomes.
She directed the officers to ensure that procured equipment is installed at designated health facilities within stipulated timelines and stressed that the process for procurement of other necessary medical equipment should be expedited.
The Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment towards strengthening healthcare delivery through an efficient, transparent and accountable medical procurement and distribution system across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister emphasised that transparency, accountability and efficiency must remain the guiding principles of JKMSCL’s operations. She directed the corporation to further strengthen monitoring mechanisms and adopt best practices in procurement and distribution to eliminate delays, reduce wastage and ensure optimal utilisation of resources.
Highlighting the importance of quality assurance, Sakeena Itoo stressed that no compromise should be made on the quality of medicines and medical equipment supplied to healthcare institutions. She instructed the corporation to reinforce quality control procedures at every stage, from procurement and testing to storage and final delivery, while ensuring strict adherence to established standards and regulatory norms.
The Minister also called for regular quality audits, enhanced laboratory testing and rigorous vendor evaluation processes.
Expressing concern over delays in the supply of essential drugs and equipment, the Minister directed the corporation to maintain strict timelines for procurement and delivery. She instructed the concerned officials to closely monitor supplier performance and initiate appropriate action against firms failing to meet contractual obligations.
The Minister laid special emphasis on ensuring the uninterrupted availability of life-saving medicines and critical healthcare equipment, particularly in remote, rural and underserved regions. She directed officials to maintain adequate buffer stocks of essential drugs and strengthen logistics planning to prevent shortages in hospitals and health centres.
Reviewing the status of digital inventory and supply management systems, Sakeena Itoo called for greater utilisation of technology-driven monitoring tools to improve real-time tracking of medicines and equipment. She stressed the importance of accurate record-keeping and data-driven decision-making for improving efficiency and responsiveness across the healthcare supply chain.
The Minister also urged healthcare institutions to regularly update their requirements and coordinate closely with JKMSCL to facilitate timely procurement and distribution. She highlighted the need for stronger institutional coordination to ensure that patients receive uninterrupted access to quality healthcare services.
She also directed hospital administrators to submit monthly reports on the number of essential medical tests, including CT scans, MRI scans and other diagnostic procedures, being conducted in government hospitals.
Reaffirming the Government’s resolve to strengthen the healthcare sector, Sakeena Itoo stated that accessibility, affordability and quality healthcare services remain among the top priorities of the administration. She emphasised that JKMSCL must continue evolving into a more responsive, efficient and patient-centric organisation capable of meeting the growing healthcare needs of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Among others, the meeting was attended by MD NHM, Akriti Sagar; Director SKIMS, Dr. Ashraf Ganie; MD JKMSCL, Tariq Hussain Ganie; Principals of all Government Medical Colleges (GMCs); Medical Superintendents of various hospitals; and other concerned officers of the Health and Medical Education Department.
