VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh government is preparing sweeping reforms in the supply and utilization of medicines in public hospitals, with technology-driven measures aimed at transparency and efficiency.
Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav has directed officials to strengthen the e-Aushadhi software system, in use since 2014, to meet current needs and leverage advanced digital tools.
At a key review meeting held at the APSMIDC headquarters in Mangalagiri, senior officials from the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), New Delhi, joined state representatives to assess the existing system and propose improvements.
Officials reviewed challenges in procurement, distribution and expiry tracking of medicines worth nearly Rs 800 crore supplied annually.
Proposed reforms will enable patients to check medicine availability through QR codes, while automated alerts will notify staff about expiry timelines.
Dashboards will monitor stock positions at sub-centres, district hospitals and teaching institutions, with supervisory authorities accessing a central dashboard. Real-time monitoring will ensure timely supply by vendors as per tender conditions, and AYUSH medicines may also be integrated into the e-Aushadhi system.
The reforms will extend to the Manamitra app, allowing public access to medicine stock information. Officials said the measures would improve transparency, efficiency and responsiveness in Andhra Pradesh’s public healthcare system.