Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Delhi Health Minister Orders Full Essential Medicine Availability
Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh visited G.B. Pant Hospital without advance notice.
He checked hospital wards, the pharmacy and medicine storage areas.
He also spoke with patients, family members, doctors and staff.
Hospital officials said most medicines, about 95-97%, were available.
The minister said patients should not have to buy prescribed medicines elsewhere.
He ordered the hospital to refill missing medicines quickly.
Some medicines from different companies may be used when they have the same composition.
Doctors and pharmacists were asked to explain these alternatives clearly to patients.
Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh directed G.B. Pant Hospital to ensure 100% availability of essential medicines.
The directive followed a surprise inspection of the hospital’s wards, pharmacy and medicine storage facilities.
Officials said approximately 95-97% of medicines were currently available at the hospital.
Singh ordered administrators to close the remaining gap and replenish supplies before stocks become critical.
He also asked doctors and pharmacists to explain suitable same-composition alternatives when prescribed brands are unavailable.
- Who
- Delhi Health Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh, G.B. Pant Hospital officials, doctors, pharmacists and patients.
- What
- Singh ordered the hospital to ensure complete availability of essential medicines and improve communication about alternatives.
- When
- Wednesday.
- Where
- G.B. Pant Hospital in New Delhi.
- Why
- To prevent patients from being forced to purchase prescribed medicines outside the hospital because of shortages.
- Minister
- Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh
- Hospital
- G.B. Pant Hospital
- Reported availability
- Approximately 95-97% of medicines
- Target
- 100% availability of essential medicines
- Inspection type
- Surprise inspection
- Additional directive
- Doctors and pharmacists should inform patients about suitable alternatives with the same composition