KSMSCL initiates priority procurement of 496 drugs to address shortages

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The procurement process   of the drugs is expected to beryllium  completed by the extremity  of March, paving the mode   for regular   supplies.

The procurement process of the drugs is expected to beryllium completed by the extremity of March, paving the mode for regular supplies. | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

In a bid to guarantee uninterrupted availability of indispensable medicines successful authorities wellness institutions, the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (KSMSCL) has initiated precedence procurement of 496 drugs nether the yearly indent for 2025–26, amid reports of shortages.

According to the Health Department, of the 496 drugs, Notifications of Award person been issued for 99, portion tenders for the remaining 397 drugs person been floated and are presently nether evaluation. The procurement process for these drugs is expected to beryllium completed by the extremity of March, paving the mode for regular supplies.

Essential medicines

Drugs scheduled to beryllium supplied during February and March see a ample fig of indispensable medicines captious for diligent care. These see astir 25 antibiotics, commonly utilized analgesics specified arsenic paracetamol and ibuprofen, and intravenous fluids, which signifier the backbone of attraction successful authorities hospitals, stated the Health Department release.

To span proviso gaps during the procurement process and to guarantee continuity of attraction - peculiarly for exigency and life-saving medicines - KSMSCL has projected an interim statement done the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). A connection has been submitted to the Pharma and Medical Bureau of India (PMBI) to proviso generic medicines to authorities hospitals done authorised distributors, the merchandise said.

₹50 crore for section procurement

To enactment this interim mechanics and debar disruptions, it has been decided to allocate ₹50 crore from KSMSCL’s existing funds to wellness facilities crossed the State. This magnitude volition alteration hospitals to procure medicines during the modulation play until regular supplies resume.

In addition, authorities wellness institutions person been permitted to marque nonstop purchases done the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, wherever necessary, arsenic a supplementary measurement to code urgent requirements.

Officials said that steps person been taken to expedite procurement done argumentation relaxations. During 2025, astir 49 drugs person already been procured and supplied by implementing facilitative measures specified arsenic 4G exemption, helping easiness shortages successful prime categories.

Published - February 06, 2026 09:11 p.m. IST

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