Provide doctors with info about available medicines; Minister with new instructions

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An updated list of available medicines in government hospitals will be provided to doctors in the Outpatient (OP) departments. This will help patients access medicines currently in stock more easily, thereby sparing them unnecessary hardship. A circular containing the directives was issued to the Director of Health Services and the Director of Medical Education.

Minister K Muraleedharan issued instructions to monitor stock levels closely. The availability of medicines, chemicals for laboratory tests, and testing materials will be ensured. Doctors are required to record the generic names of medicines on prescriptions.

A report regarding current stock and projected future requirements must be submitted every two weeks. This will enable the early identification of potential shortages and ensure that necessary supplies are made available. If laboratory materials are unavailable, they may be procured using funds from the Hospital Development Committee.