Archive · 21 Jan 2026
BMC Claims Red Circular System Improves Medicine Supply
The BMC, which runs hospitals in Mumbai, has started a new system called the Red Circular (RC) system to get medicines.
This system helps them buy medicines in a better way so that hospitals have what they need.
The BMC says that now more than half of the important medicines are available in their hospitals.
They collect all the medicine needs from different hospitals and then buy them together.
This makes the process faster and more clear.
Even though the BMC says the system is working well, some people and hospital staff still say there are not enough medicines.
The BMC is working to make sure all medicines are available soon.
BMC claims the Red Circular (RC) system has improved medicine supply in civic hospitals.
Over 60% of essential medicines are currently available, with the rest being restored in phases.
The RC system centralises procurement, reducing dependence on local purchases and multiple tenders.
Medicines are categorised into 12 schedules, and tenders are floated based on aggregate demand.
Despite BMC's claims, patients and hospital staff continue to report shortages.
- Who
- Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)
- What
- Implementation of the Red Circular (RC) procurement system for medicine supply
- When
- System introduced last year, current situation ongoing
- Where
- BMC hospitals in Mumbai
- Why
- To improve medicine supply and reduce dependence on local purchases
- Organization
- Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)
- System Implemented
- Red Circular (RC) procurement system
- Current Medicine Availability
- 60% of essential medicines
- Procurement Process
- Centralised with 12 schedules
- Emergency Purchases
- Allowed if suppliers miss deadlines
- System Introduction
- Last year
- Official Statement
- System improves transparency and supply speed