New Delhi, June 5: In a major healthcare reform, the Delhi government has mandated that the Central Procurement Agency (CPA) will exclusively manage the procurement of medicines and medical devices for all state-run hospitals and Mohalla Clinics. The move is aimed at improving supply chain efficiency, ensuring timely availability of essential medical supplies, and enhancing patient care across public healthcare facilities in the capital.
According to a senior official from the Health Department, the decision to centralize procurement processes under the CPA will eliminate inconsistencies and delays caused by the previous decentralized system. Hospitals and clinics will now submit their procurement needs to the CPA through a digitized platform, which will facilitate better forecasting and reduce administrative burdens.
The centralized model is expected to help in bulk procurement of medicines and devices at more competitive prices, while also ensuring strict quality control. All items procured will undergo mandatory lab testing and third-party audits to meet the required safety and efficacy standards.
“The new system will reduce wastage, cut costs, and ensure uninterrupted availability of essential drugs and equipment,” the official said. “It will also bring greater transparency and accountability to the procurement process.”
A real-time monitoring dashboard has also been introduced to track procurement orders, delivery schedules, and vendor performance. The dashboard will be accessible to key stakeholders for improved oversight and to prevent corruption or delays.
Public health experts and policy analysts have welcomed the decision, calling it a timely step to modernize Delhi’s public health infrastructure. They noted that Mohalla Clinics, which provide free primary healthcare to lakhs of residents, especially in economically weaker areas, will benefit significantly from a more reliable supply chain.
However, some healthcare workers have expressed concerns about the potential for increased bureaucracy under the centralized system. They have urged the government to ensure that local facilities retain some autonomy in emergency cases.
The Delhi government maintains that the transition will be closely monitored and refined as needed to ensure smooth functioning. The CPA’s enhanced role is part of a broader plan to strengthen the healthcare delivery system in the National Capital Territory.
This development marks a significant policy shift aimed at ensuring that no patient in Delhi is denied treatment due to lack of medicines or medical equipment.
