Guwahati: Assam Health Minister Ashok Singhal on Friday called on government doctors to prescribe only the medicines available at hospital pharmacies, while also promoting the use of generic alternatives to help lower treatment costs.
After reviewing healthcare projects in Cachar district, Singhal held a press conference where he assured that hospitals across the state maintain a 99 percent availability of essential medicines, ensuring uninterrupted care for patients.
To further enhance transparency and streamline operations, the minister launched a dedicated WhatsApp helpline at 9864541430, enabling the public to report any shortages of medicines.
This will allow the government to act quickly and address issues in a timely manner.
In his address, Singhal emphasised the importance of making healthcare more affordable and urged doctors to prescribe medications from hospital pharmacies and encourage patients to opt for generic alternatives, which are often more cost-effective.
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During the review meeting, Singhal also assessed the progress of ongoing healthcare projects, with a focus on upgrading infrastructure to improve access to medical services, particularly for marginalised communities.
Key topics of discussion included wage compensation for pregnant women tea garden workers, the review of maternal mortality rate (MMR) and infant mortality rate (IMR), and strategies to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Singhal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bolstering healthcare resources and facilities in the district to ensure better medical access for all.
