Many government hospitals in Tamil Nadu are facing a shortage of drugs, particularly antibiotics. As supplies are disrupted, hospitals, especially government medical college hospitals, are able to manage by making local purchases through funds generated under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS).
Inquiries confirmed a shortage of a number of drugs, with antibiotics topping the list. Sources in the Health Department confirmed that the issue of Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC) not getting adequate drugs was raised during the meeting of hospital deans with Health Minister Ma. Subramanian recently. When procurement issues arise, the TNMSC, which is the nodal agency for procurement and distribution of drugs for government hospitals, issues a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for hospitals to make local procurement of drugs. Several government doctors pointed out that many of their drug needs were being managed through these local purchases.
