Jammu, Mar 9: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Tuesday emphasized stricter quality control, accountability, and timely supply of medicines and medical equipment across Jammu and Kashmir’s healthcare system, asserting that patient safety remains the government’s top priority.

The Minister made these remarks while chairing a high-level review meeting at the Civil Secretariat to assess the functioning of Jammu & Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL). The meeting included senior officials such as Commissioner Secretary Health & Medical Education, MD NHM, Directors of SKIMS, all GMC Principals, State Drug Controller, Medical Superintendents, Chief Medical Officers, and other concerned officers, attending either in person or via video conferencing.
Addressing the officers, Itoo highlighted JKMSCL’s critical role in ensuring the timely availability of medicines, surgical consumables, and medical equipment in government hospitals. She warned that any compromise in quality, transparency, or efficiency would not be tolerated, as it directly impacts patient safety and the credibility of public healthcare.
The Minister instructed the MD JKMSCL to strengthen quality control at every stage, including procurement, laboratory testing, storage, and distribution. Only certified, standard-compliant medicines and equipment should reach hospitals, with strict action against vendors failing to adhere to protocols. She also emphasized regular audits, enhanced lab testing, and vendor scrutiny to ensure full compliance with contractual obligations.
Itoo directed JKMSCL to maintain adequate buffer stocks, especially for far-flung and rural healthcare institutions, to prevent shortages of essential and life-saving drugs. She also stressed improving grievance redressal mechanisms for immediate resolution of complaints from hospitals regarding supply delays or quality issues.
During the meeting, MD JKMSCL presented detailed updates on quality testing and supply management. In 2024–25, 3,390 medicine samples were tested, with 32 found Not of Standard Quality (NoSQ), while in 2025–26, 2,806 samples were tested, with 65 declared NoSQ, and 361 reports pending. He also briefed the Minister on 3,478 active rate contracts across categories such as machinery, hospital equipment, furniture, drugs, vaccines, and instruments, along with the Drug and Vaccine Distribution Management System (DVDMS) portal, widely used by health institutions across J&K.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to healthcare, Itoo stated that accessibility, affordability, and quality of medicines and equipment remain central to strengthening health services across the Union Territory.