Andhra Pradesh health experts study Odisha’s medicine supply system

A special committee of health experts visited Bhubaneswar on Monday to examine the medicine supply and distribution system for government hospitals in Odisha.

The committee, led by Additional Director of Medical Education Radhika Reddy, held meetings with Odisha Medical Services Corporation Managing Director Poma Tudu and other officials.

During the meeting, officials said that medicines worth around Rs 750 crore are supplied annually through the company. They said that 30 percent of the drugs needed by training hospitals and 10 percent of the drugs needed by other state hospitals were procured through local purchases. Dr. Poma Tudu said payments to drug suppliers are usually cleared within one to two months.

The committee also visited Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar and a government drug store to inspect their storage and distribution systems.

The visit follows a similar study tour to Chennai by the committee as part of efforts to strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s drug supply and supply system for state health institutions.