Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening Himachal Pradesh’s public healthcare system, directing officials to ensure the availability of high-quality medicines in all government health institutions. Chairing a meeting of senior officers of the Health Department, the Chief Minister underlined that patients visiting public hospitals and health centres must receive medicines that meet the highest quality standards.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister informed that the state government would soon float tenders worth around Rs. 100 crore for the procurement of medicines. He emphasized that reputed pharmaceutical companies would be encouraged to participate in the tendering process so that globally accepted and reliable medicines are made available to patients across the state.
To eliminate any compromise on quality, the Chief Minister directed that medicines should be procured directly from manufacturers rather than through intermediaries or authorized dealers. He said this approach would not only ensure transparency but also guarantee that patients receive world-class drugs in government-run health institutions. He further stated that, if required, amendments to the Drugs Act would be considered to safeguard public interest and ensure strict quality control in the supply of medicines.
Highlighting the reforms undertaken by the present government, Chief Minister Sukhu said continuous efforts are being made to improve healthcare delivery in Himachal Pradesh. He noted that quality medicines are the backbone of effective healthcare services and stressed that the government’s objective is to provide advanced and reliable health facilities within the state itself, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment outside Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister also issued clear directions to the Food and Civil Supplies Corporation to procure medicines for Jan Aushadhi and other government-supported medicine outlets directly from pharmaceutical companies. He said the practice of sourcing medicines through dealers should be discontinued to maintain uniform quality standards and prevent unnecessary cost escalations.
Addressing concerns related to financial resources, Chief Minister Sukhu asserted that the state government has adequate funds, but emphasized that public money must be utilized strictly for the welfare of the people. He said every rupee spent should translate into better healthcare services and tangible benefits for patients.
Senior officials present at the meeting included Health Secretary Priyanka Basu Ingty, Managing Director of Himachal Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation Rajeshwar Goyal, Special Secretary Health Jitender Sanjta, Director of Health Services Dr. Gopal Beri, along with other senior officers.
The Chief Minister reiterated that improving healthcare services has been one of his government’s key priorities. He has consistently stressed the need for systemic reforms and has taken firm decisions to strengthen medical infrastructure, improve service delivery, and ensure accountability among officers. He made it clear that all departments must work in coordination to build a robust, patient-centric healthcare system for the people of Himachal Pradesh.
