KSMSCL initiates priority procurement of 496 drugs to address shortages

In a bid to ensure uninterrupted availability of essential medicines in government health institutions, the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (KSMSCL) has initiated priority procurement of 496 drugs under the annual indent for 2025–26, amid reports of shortages.

According to the Health Department, of the 496 drugs, Notifications of Award have been issued for 99, while tenders for the remaining 397 drugs have been floated and are currently under evaluation. The procurement process for these drugs is expected to be completed by the end of March, paving the way for regular supplies.

Essential medicines

Drugs scheduled to be supplied during February and March include a large number of essential medicines critical for patient care. These include around 25 antibiotics, commonly used analgesics such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, and intravenous fluids, which form the backbone of treatment in government hospitals, stated the Health Department release.

To bridge supply gaps during the procurement process and to ensure continuity of care – particularly for emergency and life-saving medicines – KSMSCL has proposed an interim arrangement through the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). A proposal has been submitted to the Pharma and Medical Bureau of India (PMBI) to supply generic medicines to government hospitals through authorised distributors, the release said.

₹50 crore for local procurement

To support this interim mechanism and avoid disruptions, it has been decided to allocate ₹50 crore from KSMSCL’s existing funds to health facilities across the State. This amount will enable hospitals to procure medicines during the transition period until regular supplies resume.

In addition, government health institutions have been permitted to make direct purchases through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, wherever necessary, as a supplementary measure to address urgent requirements.

Officials said that steps have been taken to expedite procurement through policy relaxations. During 2025, around 49 drugs have already been procured and supplied by implementing facilitative measures such as 4G exemption, helping ease shortages in select categories.