Jammu, Mar 9: As many as 97 medicine samples were found Not of Standard Quality (NoSQ) in Jammu and Kashmir over the past two years, the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL) informed Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo during a high-level review meeting held at the Civil Secretariat here on Monday.
Presenting details of quality testing, the Managing Director of JKMSCL said that 3,390 medicine samples were tested during 2024–25, of which 32 were declared substandard. In 2025–26, out of 2,806 samples tested, 65 were found Not of Standard Quality, while reports of 361 samples are still pending.
The meeting was convened to review the performance and functioning of JKMSCL and assess the procurement and supply of medicines, surgical consumables and medical equipment to government health institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department, M. Raju; MD NHM, Akriti Sagar; MD JKMSCL, Tariq Hussain Ganie; Director SKIMS, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie; Director Finance and Director Planning H&ME; Directors of Health Services Kashmir and Jammu; principals of all Government Medical Colleges; State Drug Controller; medical superintendents, chief medical officers and other officials attended the meeting in person or through video conferencing.
Addressing the officers, the Minister stressed the need for stricter quality checks and greater accountability in the procurement and supply of medicines and medical equipment, stating that patient safety remains the government’s top priority.
She said JKMSCL plays a crucial role in the public healthcare delivery system by ensuring timely availability of medicines, surgical consumables and equipment in government hospitals. “Any compromise in quality, transparency or efficiency will not be tolerated as it directly affects patient safety and the credibility of the public health system,” she said.
While reviewing quality control measures, the Minister directed the Managing Director JKMSCL to maintain constant monitoring of medicines and equipment procured by the corporation.
“Strengthen quality control protocols at every stage—from procurement and testing to storage and final distribution—to ensure only certified and standard-compliant medicines reach government hospitals,” she said, warning that negligence in quality verification would invite strict action.
She also called for regular quality audits, enhanced laboratory testing and strict scrutiny of vendors to ensure suppliers adhere to prescribed standards and contractual obligations.
While reviewing procurement procedures, supply chain management, inventory status and vendor performance, the Minister directed JKMSCL to take action against firms delaying the supply of essential drugs and medical equipment. She also sought a detailed report on action taken since 2021 against underperforming vendors.
Emphasising the timely availability of life-saving drugs, the Minister asked the corporation to follow the protocol of prominent medical institutions regarding the supply of cancer medicines. She also directed medical superintendents and hospital administrators to submit requirements of life-saving drugs accordingly.
Highlighting challenges faced by healthcare institutions in remote and rural areas, the Minister instructed JKMSCL to improve supply chain coordination and maintain adequate buffer stocks of essential medicines and life-saving equipment to prevent shortages.
She further directed the corporation to strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms and ensure prompt response to complaints from healthcare institutions regarding supply delays or quality concerns.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services in Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister said accessibility, affordability and quality of medicines and medical equipment remain key priorities of the Omar Abdullah-led government.
During the meeting, the Managing Director of JKMSCL also informed that 3,478 rate contracts are currently active under the corporation for categories such as machinery and equipment, hospital furniture, drugs and vaccines, instruments and other medical supplies.
He further apprised the meeting about the Drug and Vaccine Distribution Management System (DVDMS) portal, which is being used by health institutions across Jammu and Kashmir to streamline the supply and monitoring of medicines.
