A revolutionary “zero prescription policy” has been introduced by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) with the goal of completely revamping the way medications are dispersed throughout its hospitals. The BMC will become the first municipal corporation in India to fully cover the cost of all medications and medical supplies for its patients thanks to this policy, which was announced by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during his visit to KEM Hospital. This will remove the need for patients to buy these items from outside pharmacies.
The BMC’s Central Purchase Department (CPD) has increased the number of things it has acquired from 1,000 to 4,000 in order to support this policy. There are currently many different medications, prescriptions, and surgical supplies on this extensive list. Hospitals under the BMC’s jurisdiction are to send their inventory requirements to the CPD, which will manage the procurement procedure. With this adjustment, the previously noted problem of fake drug shortages in BMC-run hospitals would hopefully be resolved. This issue was forcing a large number of patients to buy medications from outside sources.
The attempt is in response to a scathing May 10 Hindustan Times investigation that detailed the artificial shortages and its effects on patients, who were forced to pay more for necessary medical supplies from private sources. A high-level investigation into the procurement procedures at BMC hospitals was initiated in reaction to the report, and the results showed notable differences in the prices of locally acquired products and those acquired in bulk. According to the CPD’s research, local purchases were seven to eight times more expensive than bulk buying, which caused hospitals to overspend and put further financial strain on patients.
Dr. Sudhakar Shinde, Additional Municipal Commissioner, highlighted that the majority of prescription needs would be immediately addressed by BMC hospitals under the new policy, which should enable patients avoid having to bear any additional financial burden. He mentioned that in spite of exorbitant costs, patients were told to purchase their medications elsewhere, which comes to almost ₹600 crore a year. By ensuring that all required medical supplies are on hand, the strategy seeks to address this.
Thirty maternity hospitals, sixteen outlying hospitals, four medical colleges, and a significant number of clinics are among the many healthcare facilities under the BMC’s supervision. More than 50,000 people use these services on a daily basis, highlighting the possible effects of the zero prescription policy. By taking this audacious move, the BMC hopes to improve patient care and lower out-of-pocket costs for necessary medications, thereby setting an example for municipal healthcare systems throughout India.
SOURCE :
HINDUSTAN TIMES
