Karnataka Government Approves New Ultrasonography Training and Drug Procurement Measures
The Karnataka state government has taken significant steps to bolster its healthcare infrastructure, with a dual focus on enhancing diagnostic capabilities and ensuring a steady supply of essential medicines. In a decisive move announced on Thursday, the government approved a comprehensive six-month ultrasonography training program specifically designed for in-service MBBS doctors.
Ultrasonography Training to Strengthen Maternal Health Services
This specialized training initiative is strategically aimed at boosting maternal health services across the state and strengthening the implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act. The program will be conducted at 11 carefully selected district hospitals, ensuring widespread accessibility and impact.
Key training centres have been identified at district hospitals in:
- Chikkaballapur
- Dharwad
- Tumakuru
- Vijayapura
- Ballari
- Kolar
- Bagalkote
Additionally, major facilities in urban centres include:
- Bengaluru (KC General Hospital)
- Davanagere
- Mangaluru (Lady Goschen–Wenlock Hospital complex)
Eligibility for the program is strictly limited to serving MBBS medical officers, with selection to be conducted in accordance with existing service rules and norms. This targeted approach ensures that trained professionals are immediately deployable within the state's public health system.
Fast-Tracked Drug Procurement to Prevent Shortages
Concurrently, addressing concerns over drug shortages in government health institutions, the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Ltd (KSMSCL) has initiated a fast-tracked procurement process for 496 essential drugs for the 2025–26 fiscal year.
According to a press note issued on Friday by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, notifications of award have already been issued for 99 drugs. Tenders for the remaining 397 medications are currently under evaluation and are expected to be finalized by March.
The first consignments of critical supplies, including approximately 25 essential antibiotics, common analgesics like paracetamol and ibuprofen, and vital IV fluids, are anticipated to begin arriving in government warehouses between February and March.
Supplementary Measures to Ensure Medicine Availability
To bridge any immediate supply gaps, the government has proposed an interim arrangement through the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). A formal proposal has been submitted to the Pharma & Medical Bureau of India (PMBI) for the supply of generic medicines to government hospitals via authorized distributors.
In support of this initiative, an allocation of Rs 50 crore from the KSMSCL's existing funds will be directed to various health facilities across Karnataka. Furthermore, as a supplementary procurement measure, health institutions have been empowered to directly source necessary medicines through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Portal whenever required.
These coordinated actions by the Karnataka government represent a proactive effort to enhance diagnostic care, particularly in maternal health, while simultaneously securing the pharmaceutical supply chain to prevent treatment disruptions in the state's public healthcare system.
