Question : MEDICAL SERVICES IN ARMED FORCES

(a) whether the quality of medical services in the armed forces is deteriorating fast;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the steps being taken by the Government to improve the quality of medical services in the Armed Forces;

(c) whether certain medicines for the armed forces have been purchased in such a quantity that their complete utilisation is not possible before their expiry date;

(d) if so, the details of such medicines along with the expenditure incurred on their purchase; and

(e) whether any action is being taken / has taken against concerned officials in this regard and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)

(a) No, Madam.

(b) Does not arise.

(c) to (e): The procurement of medicines is carried out by the Armed Forces Medical Stores Depots (AFMSDs), Direct Demanding Officers (DDOs) and service hospitals in addition to central procurement as per Rate Contract policy based on the projected requirements. No instance of purchase of excessive medicines in the Armed Forces Medical Services has been reported during the recent past. However, as the procurement of medicines is done based on projections, the possibility of some medicines getting expired before being consumed can not be ruled out. For optimal / adequate stocking of medical stores, the following steps have been taken:

(i) AFMSDs and hospitals have been instructed to project realistic demands.

(ii) In the terms and conditions of the Supply Order and Rate Contract for medicines and stores it is made binding on the suppliers to replace the overstocked / expired medicines.

(iii) Replacement Clause has also been incorporated in the Rate Contract Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Central and Direct Demanding Officers (DDOs) procurement.

(iv) The policy of Disposal Orders also facilitates the redistribution of medicines which are available in excess of consumptions patterns to other Depots / hospitals / medical units where they are required.