Srinagar: The Committee on Public Undertakings (CoPU) of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Wednesday reviewed the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL) and directed it to ensure uninterrupted availability of medicines, particularly those used for treating critical and life-threatening diseases.
The meeting, chaired by CoPU Chairman Mir Saifullah, examined the corporation’s procurement, supply, distribution and stock position of medicines and medical equipment across government health institutions in the Union Territory.
The committee emphasised the need to maintain adequate buffer stocks of essential and life-saving medicines to prevent shortages in hospitals, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and other healthcare facilities.
Members also called for a robust inventory management system to monitor medicine availability, consumption and replenishment in real time, while stressing regular assessment of requirements at individual health institutions.
Reviewing the procurement process, the committee sought details on pending procurements, stock positions and distribution networks, and called for greater efficiency and transparency in procurement and supply operations.
The panel observed that JKMSCL plays a key role in strengthening healthcare delivery in Jammu and Kashmir and directed officials to take effective measures to prevent stock-outs of essential medicines.
It also stressed closer coordination between JKMSCL, the Health and Medical Education Department and healthcare institutions to ensure timely assessment and communication of medicine requirements, particularly for emergency care and treatment of serious illnesses.
The committee directed the corporation to adhere strictly to quality standards and ensure that only quality-assured medicines and medical equipment are supplied to healthcare institutions.
Members also called for strengthening JKMSCL’s institutional capacity, improving supply-chain efficiency and using technology for forecasting, procurement, inventory management and distribution.
The committee directed officials to submit action-taken reports on the decisions taken during the meeting and ensure their implementation within stipulated timelines.
During the meeting, Chairman Mir Saifullah announced the formation of two sub-committees, one each for Jammu and Kashmir divisions, to assess healthcare institutions with regard to availability of medicines, medical equipment, manpower and other related facilities.
