In a significant administrative intervention aimed at strengthening public healthcare delivery, Nayab Singh Saini has directed the implementation of a real-time, centralised drug inventory monitoring system across all government hospitals in Haryana. The move is designed to eliminate ambiguity in medicine availability, reduce out-of-pocket expenditure for patients, and enforce accountability within the healthcare system.
The directive was issued during a high-level review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister at the state secretariat, where senior officials from the Health and Family Welfare Department presented a comprehensive overview of existing infrastructure, procurement systems, staffing levels, and service delivery standards. The meeting focused on identifying systemic gaps and introducing reforms to ensure that patients visiting government facilities receive timely and complete medical care without being compelled to purchase medicines from private outlets.
Under the new system, doctors will have access to a centralised digital platform displaying real-time data on the availability of medicines in hospitals. This is expected to significantly curb the widespread practice of prescribing external medicines when adequate stock exists within hospital pharmacies. In cases where a specific medicine is genuinely unavailable, doctors will now be required to clearly document this on the patient’s prescription. Importantly, the responsibility for ensuring adequate stock levels and monitoring compliance will rest with the Chief Medical Officers (CMOs), thereby introducing a stricter accountability framework at the district level.
The Chief Minister emphasised that any shortage of essential medicines in government hospitals would be considered unacceptable. He instructed officials to establish an efficient, proactive supply chain mechanism, including advance procurement planning and timely communication with empanelled suppliers. Hospitals have been directed to maintain updated stock records and ensure replenishment well before shortages occur.
Beyond medicine availability, the review meeting also addressed the broader healthcare ecosystem. The Chief Minister called for a robust upgrade of medical infrastructure, ensuring that advanced diagnostic facilities such as CT scans, MRI machines, and other critical equipment are available across all districts. Officials informed that upgrades have already been completed in several districts, while the remaining regions have been instructed to expedite the process to ensure uniform healthcare access across the state.
Human resource availability emerged as another key focus area. The Chief Minister directed that hospitals must be adequately staffed with doctors, nurses, and paramedical personnel in proportion to patient inflow. He stressed the need for efficient duty rosters and better workforce management to avoid delays in treatment. As an interim measure, the government has allowed contractual appointments of specialist doctors in medical colleges and hospitals until permanent recruitment processes are completed.
To further enhance transparency, the Chief Minister underlined the need to reform procurement systems for medicines and equipment. He instructed that all procurement processes must adhere to strict timelines, maintain high-quality standards, and adopt best practices to prevent delays or irregularities. The objective is to create a system where resources are available when needed, without bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Cleanliness and patient experience were also highlighted as critical components of healthcare delivery. The Chief Minister directed hospital authorities to maintain high standards of hygiene and ensure that patients are treated with dignity and sensitivity. He also emphasised strengthening feedback mechanisms so that patient experiences can directly inform policy improvements and administrative action.
The review also touched upon preparedness in light of evolving global uncertainties, including potential disruptions in supply chains. Officials assured that adequate stocks of medicines, fuel for ambulances, and LPG for hospital kitchens are currently in place, ensuring uninterrupted services even in challenging circumstances.
Additionally, progress under various healthcare initiatives, including digital health services and insurance schemes, was assessed. The government reiterated its commitment to leveraging technology for better governance, with the real-time drug monitoring system being a key step in that direction.
The reforms signal a broader shift in Haryana’s healthcare governance model—moving from reactive crisis management to proactive, technology-driven administration. By integrating digital tools with administrative accountability, the state aims to build a more reliable, transparent, and patient-centric public health system.
With these measures, the Haryana government is attempting to restore public confidence in government hospitals, ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible, affordable, and efficient for all sections of society.
