Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 30: J&K is poised to have a state-of-the-art drug testing laboratory that will bolster the current testing capacity while the existing testing laboratories in the Union Territory are also being fortified with the active support of the Government of India.
The announcement regarding the upcoming drug testing laboratory was made today by Bhupinder Kumar, Secretary of the Health & Medical Education (H&ME) Department, on the sidelines of an event here. Kumar emphasized the government’s commitment to augmenting the testing capacity while adhering to the prescribed norms of drug testing.
“To enhance the current mechanism for ensuring the quality of medicines, we are in the final stages of establishing a modern drug testing lab. We have begun acquiring the necessary equipment, and the commissioning process is already underway,” he stated.
Kumar highlighted that J&K will soon possess an efficient drug testing laboratory, emphasizing that efforts are also being directed towards strengthening the existing testing infrastructure across the Union Territory.
“Furthermore, we have sought assistance from the Government of India to fortify the existing labs. In this regard, we have received approximately Rs 23 crores to enhance the facilities in Srinagar and Jammu,” he added.
Regarding the maintenance of medication quality, Kumar mentioned the effective functioning of the Drug and Food Control Organization in ensuring quality checks. He also pointed out that medicines procured for government hospitals undergo the necessary testing protocols.
“Our focus, through the establishment of new testing facilities, is to increase the testing capacity and maintain high standards. Moreover, any violations that occur will be met with appropriate action, and we will continue to work in this direction,” Kumar asserted.
Responding to the issue of insufficient drug counters at the recently established Pediatric Hospital in Bemina, the Secretary informed that necessary instructions have been given to the Principal of the Government Medical College, Srinagar.
“We have already initiated a Jan Aushadi Kendra and an Amrit store. Further steps will be taken to strengthen the facilities as per our directions,” he assured.
Regarding the recently launched Scan and Share Queue Management system, and its delayed implementation at SKIMS, Soura, Kumar explained that the initiative aims to reduce waiting times at outpatient departments (OPDs). He assured that the facility would soon be available in all hospitals across J&K.
Secy said revealed that the H&ME Department recently conducted a gap analysis of the healthcare system in J&K, which exposed several shortcomings and gaps. “In response, we are formulating a roadmap to ensure adequate facilities and manpower at all healthcare facilities facing shortages,” he stated.
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