Naveen announces free medicines at govt facilities

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today announced a scheme promising free medicines for all diseases at government health institutions and free ambulance service to all the 30 districts of the state.
"Free Medicine Distribution Scheme for all diseases will be made available at all government health facilities in the state," Patnaik told reporters after presiding over the 7th Health Mission meeting here.
He said a dedicated procurement corporation 'Odisha Medical Service Corporation' will soon be established for the purpose and the hospitals would procure medicines from OMSC instead of private companies, he said.
The Chief Minister also extended 108 Emergency Ambulance Services to all the 30 districts of the state before this year end.

The capacity of district headquarters hospitals at Dhenkanal, Malkangiri, Jharsuguda and Kendrapara would be expanded to 300 beds, he said, adding that ASHAs (Accredited social health activist) would be covered under the National Pension Scheme.
Other decisions taken at the meeting included establishment of Intensive Care Units (ICUs) at 12 district headquarters hospitals.
He said about 1.14 crore children of age group 0-8 will be included in the Rastriya Bal Surakhya Karyakrama (RBSK).