A new order by the Delhi government mandates that all state-run hospitals procure medicines and consumables only through the Central Procurement Agency.
The Delhi government has introduced a new rule for all its state-run hospitals. From now on, they must purchase all medical supplies, including medicines, equipment, and consumables, through the Central Procurement Agency (CPA). The decision follows concerns raised by the Health and Family Welfare Minister about irregularities in the way hospitals have been sourcing supplies.
In the past, hospitals often bought items directly or used the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal’s cart feature. This led to high prices, inconsistent rates, and issues in following audit protocols. The new order highlights that such practices have presented both financial and compliance challenges. To address this, hospitals will now have to submit their requirements to the CPA. The agency will then assess these requests and manage the entire procurement process.
Officials believe this change will benefit both hospital staff and patients. Doctors and medical teams will be able to spend less time on administrative tasks related to supplies and more time on patient care. By managing procurement centrally, the government also hopes to bring more clarity, better pricing, and smoother coordination across health facilities in the capital.
Under the new policy, no hospital is allowed to make direct purchases of medicines or related items. Any breach of this rule will be taken seriously and may lead to action by the authorities. The goal is to maintain clear procedures, ensure fairness, and avoid discrepancies in purchasing practices.
By shifting procurement responsibilities to a centralised agency, the government aims to enhance the overall functioning of its healthcare system. The move is designed to bring efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure that essential supplies are available where and when they are needed, without unnecessary delays or cost variations.
