Maharashtra State Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed officials to ensure a smooth procurement process for medicines and medical equipment supplied to government and semi-government health institutions throughout the state. Speaking at the first meeting of the Maharashtra Medical Supplies Procurement Authority, Mr. Shinde emphasized on the importance of purchasing medicines and equipment in a transparent and timely manner. The development authority has been created to facilitate the procurement of medical goods for the state’s healthcare sector.
The event was attended by Medical Education Minister Girish Mahajan, Health Minister Dr. Tanaji Sawant, and the state’s Chief Secretary Manoj Saunik.
Our intention behind the establishment of this authority is to make medicines and equipment easily accessible to hospitals and healthcare institutions, said Mr. Shinde. The authority is an innovative step that should be sustained in a transparent manner.
The board has approved the recruitment of eight senior positions to purchase medicines and medical equipment for the medical education department and public health. An Indian Administrative Service officer has been appointed as the authority’s chief executive officer for the job.
Mr. Shinde remarked that private hospitals would also be given the opportunity to procure medicines via the authority if its procedures remain transparent. Patients rely on medical institutions to deliver essential health services that could be life-saving. The governor has directed that the procurement process should be kept transparent.
The authority is expected to play an integral role in streamlining the procurement of vital medication and equipment across the state, helping to maintain a steady supply to health institutions.
