A year after Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced Zero Prescription Policy wherein patients coming to its hospitals will get all the necessary medicines from the hospital, Eknath Shinde, deputy chief minister reannounced the initiative at the centenary celebration of KEM Hospital on Wednesday.
During his previous visit to KEM Hospital, several patients had informed Shinde that they were compelled to buy medicines from outside. Taking note of their grievances and to reduce the additional financial burden on patients, Shinde had instructed the implementation of the Zero Prescription Policy. Former BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal had announced in the 2024 budget that the policy would be implemented from April 2024.
While the BMC is estimating that it will be spending Rs 1200 crore annually for the zero prescription policy, it has kept aside Rs 500 crore from the 2024-25 health budget of Rs 7191.13 crore.
Until now, BMC procured 1,800 medicines and other materials under a scheduled list. However, the new schedule included several additional essential and frequently used medicines, raising the number to over 3,000. Meanwhile, changes in the posts of the BMC Commissioner and Additional Municipal Commissioner reportedly led to the policy being shelved.
On Wednesday, Shinde and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar were invited to the annual report release event at KEM Hospital. While Pawar was absent, Shinde attended and addressed the gathering, praising the hospital for its services to patients. He reiterated the need to implement the Zero Prescription Policy and directed Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to expedite its execution.
During the centenary celebrations, Deputy CM Shinde acknowledged the increasing number of patients seeking treatment at KEM Hospital. Highlighting the shortage of beds, he instructed the BMC Commissioner to construct an ‘Ayushman Centenary Tower’ to accommodate the growing patient load. Additionally, he directed the authorities to arrange accommodation facilities for the relatives of patients. Shinde also lauded the efforts of the hospital’s doctors, paramedical, and non-paramedical staff.
Speaking at the ongoing celebration week at the hospital, Shinde announced plans to establish the “Ayushman Centenary Tower,” set up a medical museum, and implement a “Zero Prescription Policy” to enhance patient care. “The ayushman centenary tower was announced keeping in mind the increasing patient load at the hospital. The work on the plan will begin soon. We have identified the location for the tower,” said a senior official from the hospital. Shinde also proposed accommodation for patient’s relatives.
