Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has directed that all government hospitals must maintain medicine records on a real-time centralised portal. Doctors will be able to check the availability of medicines in their respective hospitals, leaving no scope for prescribing medicines from outside. He made it clear that if any doctor still prescribes outside medicines, they must explicitly state on the OPD slip that the medicine is unavailable in the hospital. Responsibility for ensuring compliance will lie with the Chief Medical Officers (CMOs).
The Chief Minister gave these directions while chairing a high-level review meeting on the state’s healthcare services at the Secretariat on Monday. Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Dr. Sumita Misra and Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Gupta were present.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed key aspects including availability of medicines, status of medical equipment, OPD management, staffing of doctors and paramedics, procurement systems, and quality of patient care. He said that officers concerned should ensure that patients visiting government hospitals should not face any inconvenience and further directed to maintain continuous monitoring of all services. He categorically said that shortage of medicines at any level will not be tolerated. A robust real-time monitoring system for medicine stocks must be implemented to ensure timely replenishment. He also directed that annual empanelment of suppliers be undertaken and CMOs should communicate medicine requirements to empanelled agencies at least four days in advance to avoid shortages.
The Chief Minister further directed strict action to curb the practice of unnecessarily prescribing outside medicines, ensuring that patients are not burdened with additional expenses and receive treatment within government facilities.
Focus on Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure
Emphasising the need to upgrade healthcare infrastructure across all districts, the Chief Minister directed that advanced diagnostic facilities such as CT scan and MRI be ensured in all hospitals. Officers apprised the Chief Minister that such upgrades have been completed in 10 districts. The further directed that the remaining 12 districts be covered at the earliest so that patients do not have to travel outside their districts for advanced diagnostics. He also called for phased expansion of healthcare infrastructure to meet future needs.
Adequate Staffing and Timely Treatment
The Chief Minister directed that hospitals be strengthened in line with patient load and adequate availability of doctors, nursing staff, and other healthcare personnel be ensured. He said timely treatment for all patients and called for improvements in staff deployment, duty rosters, and overall functioning. Officers apprised the Chief Minister that until full-time specialists are appointed in medical colleges, doctors will be engaged on a contractual basis.
Accountability and Performance Monitoring
Highlighting the key role of CMOs, the Chief Minister directed that their accountability be clearly defined. He also called for strict adherence to district-wise targets and strengthening of performance-based monitoring systems.
Transparent and Time-Bound Procurement
The Chief Minister directed that procurement of medicines and equipment be made more transparent, efficient, and time-bound. He stressed that there should be no delays in procurement and all processes must adhere to prescribed timelines, while maintaining strict quality standards.
Improved Cleanliness and Patient Services
The Chief Minister also emphasised improving sanitation and overall patient experience in hospitals. He directed that hospitals maintain cleanliness, proper management systems, and a patient-friendly approach. Strengthening of feedback mechanisms was also stressed to enable continuous improvement in services.
In the meeting progress of medical colleges, e-Upchar services, Ayushman scheme, and preparedness in terms of medicine stock, ambulance fuel, and LPG availability for patient meals was also reviewed in view of the current situation. Officers apprised the Chief Minister that adequate arrangements have been made and no shortages exist.
Secretary Health and Mission Director, National Health Mission Haryana, Sh. R.S. Dhillon, and Director General Health Services, Dr. Manish Bansal, were also attended the meeting.