Srinagar, Mar 24 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government said on Monday that Ayush drugs are supplied to government institutions only after rigorous quality testing by the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL) through their empanelled laboratories.
Responding to a question raised by MLA Arjun Singh Raju, the Health and Medical Education Department Minister, Sakina Itoo, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that Ayush drugs supplied to government institutions in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are subjected to comprehensive quality testing, including heavy metals checks, by JKMSCL through NABL-accredited laboratories. She said the supplies are quarantined and will not be distributed to the end-user departments until a standard quality report, as per the recommended parameters, including heavy metals testing where applicable, is received from these laboratories.
Itoo said that to ensure safety and uphold quality standards for Ayush drugs, every batch received is tested at NABL-accredited facilities. Compliance with JKMSCL guidelines guarantees that all prescribed quality parameters are met, and the drugs are released to end-users only after receiving certified quality reports, she said.
The health minister said the monitoring and regulation of the manufacturing, sale and distribution of medicines is conducted through the Jammu and Kashmir Drug Control Organization, ensuring that all medications meet the required standards of quality, safety and efficacy.
"All district hospitals have introduced dedicated cancer wards equipped with chemotherapy facilities. This development aims to alleviate the burden on patients, especially those from remote areas who previously had to travel to urban centres for treatment. The wards are managed by trained physicians and paramedical staff specialized in medical oncology,” Itoo said, adding, “Capacity building and expansion of medical education and training for various staff from district hospitals, including medical officers, staff nurses, and technicians, are being conducted through institutions like the Sher Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, which offers specialized medical education and training. This initiative contributes to developing skilled healthcare professionals in the region.”
The minister said the government has undertaken several initiatives to enhance oncology services in district hospitals, focusing on the availability of specialists and modern equipment to facilitate early detection and treatment of cancer.
She said the government plans to introduce chemotherapy units in every district hospital across Jammu and Kashmir. These units are designed to provide a range of chemotherapy treatments tailored to meet the diverse needs of cancer patients, thereby improving early detection and access to treatment.
"The ISM doctors are not authorised to prescribe allopathic medicines to patients. The government is ensuring compliance through strict enforcement of regulations, awareness initiatives, training programmes and strengthening reporting mechanisms," Itoo said—(KNO)