Andhra Health Delegation Studies Odisha’s Drug Procurement Model to Boost Public Healthcare
A special committee of health experts from Andhra Pradesh visited Bhubaneswar on Monday to examine Odisha’s drug procurement and distribution system for government hospitals, as part of broader efforts to strengthen medicine supply in its own public healthcare institutions.
The delegation, led by Additional Director of Medical Education Radhika Reddy, held discussions with Odisha Medical Services Corporation (OMSC) Managing Director Poma Tudu and other senior officials. During the meeting, officials disclosed that medicines worth approximately ₹750 crore are procured annually through the corporation. They noted that 30% of the medicines required by teaching hospitals and 10% of those needed by other government hospitals are sourced through local purchases. Dr. Poma Tudu informed the committee that payments to medicine suppliers are typically cleared within one to two months, ensuring a smooth supply chain.
The visiting team also inspected the Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar and a government drug warehouse to study their storage and distribution practices closely.
This visit follows a similar study tour to Chennai earlier, as the Andhra Pradesh government seeks to reform its drug procurement and supply mechanisms for government healthcare facilities, aiming to improve efficiency and availability of essential medicines.
