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State to have Medical Supply Corporation

By SANJOY RAY

GUWAHATI, Oct 26 � In a crucial policy decision, the Assam Government is all set to approve formation of the Assam Medical Supply Corporation (AMSC), which will monitor medicine supply to the poor and the sick.

The decision comes as a breather for low-income groups, more so in the wake of recurring allegations about shortfall of medicines and equipment that are required to be supplied free of cost to the poor patients on a regular basis through Government hospitals and health centres.

With the escalating prices of drugs in open markets adding to the helplessness of the marginalized section of the population, the Corporation, according to official sources, will be dedicated to keeping a tab on the quality as well as supply of medicines at various levels.

�Bridging the demand and supply gap would be the primary job of the Corporation,� a senior health department official told this reporter.

As soon as the Corporation comes into being, the entire chain of drug and equipment distribution to the poor patients will be made online.

Sources in the health department told The Assam Tribune about plans to press for a hike in the fund allocation for procurement, which now hovers around Rs 40 crore per annum.

Once the decision is taken, the Office of the Joint Director (Guwahati) and the National Health Mission will be opted out of the entire chain of procurement and distribution. The Central Drug House will be directly connected with the Corporation headed by a managing director.

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