Bangalore: The situation that has plagued government hospitals here for months, with even essential drugs not being available, is likely to become better by next month.

The Government, through the Department of Health, has entered into a rate contract with a number of pharmaceutical companies to make available essential medications. The Government will also bring about more transparency in the working of pharmacies attached to government hospitals.

From August, several commonly used medications will be freely available in eight government hospitals in Bangalore: K.C. General Hospital, Jayanagar Hospital, Epidemic Diseases Hospital, TB and Chest Diseases Hospital, Leprosy Hospital, Krishnarajapuram Hospital, Yelahanka Hospital and Ghousia Maternity Hospital. The situation in the other government hospitals is said to be "satisfactory."

According to sources in the Government, more than 40 per cent of the drugs available in hospitals lie unused till their expiry date. The Government has apparently found that doctors and hospital pharmacists may be into "deals" with private clinics and druggists and even with some nursing homes. Unused and time-expired drugs are often dumped as was discovered recently in Mangalore.

The rate contract system with pharmaceutical companies is expected to meet the increasing demand and bring more competitiveness and transparency in the procurement of drugs. Hospital pharmacies will now have to display a board listing the names of medications and quantity available as in ration shops.

The tendering process is about to be finalised and, by September-end, the drug procurement and distribution system is expected to be completely streamlined. The number of drugs available with hospital pharmacies is expected to increase from 226 to nearly 700, including generic and branded formulations.

District, taluk hospitals

The Karnataka Logistics Society, which helps with the Government's procurement and moving of supplies, will accept orders for drugs from taluk and district hospitals as well and arrange for stocks in district warehouses.

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