Lok Sabha Question No. 2264 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-01
Subject: Free Drugs Service Initiative
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Rajabhau Parag Prakash Waje

## GOVERNMENT OFINDIA MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2264 TO BE ANSWERED ON 1st AUGUST, 2025

## FREE DRUGS SERVICE INITIATIVE

## 2264. SHRI RAJABHAU PARAG PRAKASH WAJE:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken cognizance of fact that despite the Free Drugs Service Initiative under National Health Mission and the Essential Medicines List (EML), insulin for juvenile Type-1 diabetes patients is not consistently available in many Government hospitals and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has taken note of the tragic incident in Uttar Pradesh where a man died by suicide after recording a video stating he could not afford insulin for his diabetic daughter and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to strengthen implementation of Free Drugs Service Initiative so that free insulin, glucometers, insulin pumps and related consumables reach poor and needy patients as envisaged;
- (d) whether there is any plan to review gaps in State-level procurement, stock monitoring and delivery mechanisms; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and the timeline for ensuring reliable supply across all public health facilities?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OFSTATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (e): Under NHM, financial support is provided to States / UTs for provision of free essential medicines in public health facilities based on the requirements posed by States/UTs in their Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs) within their overall resource envelope. Ministry has recommended facility wise Essential Drugs List (EDL) to be made available at the public healthcare facilities in the country to ensure widespread access to essential medicines. The number of medicines recommended at various facilities are given below. However States have the flexibility to add more.

|   Sr. No. | Name of Facility   |   No. of essential Medicine |
|-----------|--------------------|-----------------------------|
|         1 | DH                 |                         381 |
|         2 | SDH                |                         318 |
|         3 | CHC                |                         300 |

|   4 | AAM-PHC        |   172 |
|-----|----------------|-------|
|   5 | AAM-Sub Centre |   106 |

The following insulins essential for paediatric and adolescent patients' glycaemic control are included in the Essential Medicine List:

-  Insulin (Soluble) Injection 40 IU/ml2
-  Insulin Lente Basal
-  Injection Insulin Rapid
-  Injection Insulin Mixtard
-  Premix Insulin 30:70 Injection (Regular: NPH)
-  Premix Insulin 30:70 Injection 40 IU/ml3

The availability of these drugs depends on State-level procurement systems, and the Ministry continues to monitor and support States in maintaining adequate stock levels.

Regarding the reports of an individual committing suicide due to the unavailability of insulin for their diabetic daughter's treatment, the State Government of Uttar Pradesh has informed that they have no video related to such an incident in their knowledge.

To strengthen Free Drugs Service Initiative (FDSI) and improve access to essential medicines like insulin, the Government has:

-  Provided financial support to States under NHM for drug procurement, warehousing, and supply chain systems.
-  Issued guidelines for States to maintain buffer stocks and strengthen last-mile delivery.

States have the flexibility to include glucometers, insulin pumps, and related consumables under their own extended essential drug lists or through other health programmes such as non-communicable disease (NCD) initiatives or relevant Statesponsored schemes.

The Ministry has adopted a multi-layered monitoring approach to identify and address gaps in procurement, supply chain, and stock management. Many States have adopted digital platforms like Drugs and Vaccine Distribution Management System (DVDMS) to track procurement, consumption, and replenishment. The Government conducts reviews, issues advisories, and supports infrastructure development for drug warehouses and logistics.

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