Govt colleges can now directly order free medicines

In an attempt to streamline the free supply of medicines, the Punjab government is set to provide them directly to government medical colleges across the state.

In an attempt to streamline the free supply of medicines, the Punjab government is set to provide them directly to government medical colleges across the state.

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Earlier, colleges had to follow a lengthy process to acquire the free stock. Now, they can skip those steps and order the medicines directly.

Medical education and health secretary Husan Lal on Saturday said the stock would directly be provided to colleges as they treated a large number of patients.

Addressing a seminar on 'Continuing Medical Education' organised by the ophthalmology department of the Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital (GMCH) here, he said, "We are going to establish stores at Kharar, Bathinda and Amritsar. According to requirement, colleges can directly order form these stores."

Earlier, college authorities had to approach the district civil surgeon. This was time-consuming, and shortage of medicines was often reported, especially by medical colleges, he said.
Lal said the state had asked the Patiala GMCH principal for a list of works to be carried out to improve both the college and the hospital. "We will soon prepare a blueprint and the work will be started," said Lal.

Officiating principal of the college Dr Manjit Bal and medical superintendent VK Sharda were also present at the occasion.