Bihar News : Bihar Ranked No.1 In Free Medicine Distribution

Bihar News : Over the last 20 years, Bihar healthcare sector has seen drastic improvement. Earlier, Bihar was mocked for it’s poor health infrastructure. And that image and perception still remains in people. But this is the time to rise above stereotypes and acknowledge the improvement in Bihar’s healthcare sector. According to the recent data, Bihar government is providing around 611 types of medicines for free in all the government hospitals in the state. This is the highest in India and that’s why Bihar is ranked number one in providing free medicines.

Here we have added a table of contents for you to navigate through this detailed breakdown of Bihar’s healthcare success story that is making headlines in Bihar news and beyond :

Bihar’s Healthcare Journey

Previously, Bihar poor infrastructure was mocked for administrative neglect. This dark chapter in Bihar news highlighted poor management by the authorities and systemic failures. The underprivileged section of Bihar was unable to get affordable and accessible health care services.

But over these last two decades, the Bihar government has focused in rebuilding and improving the healthcare facilities and incentives in Bihar. A major reform was the Free Drug Policy launched in 2006 by the Bihar government under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. This policy aimed at reducing the medical expenses for the poor primarily by providing free medicines.

Bihar’s Free Drug Policy in 2006

The Bihar government’s Free Drug Policy was officially launched on 1st July 2006 after getting approved by the Bihar cabinet. At that time only 47 medicines were available free of cost but by 2008 the number was increased to 33 drugs for OPD patients (out-patient department) and 112 drugs for IPD patients (in-patient-department) respectively.

And currently, the Bihar government is providing a total of 611 types of medicines free of cost to the poor and needy. This policy proved to be a game changer for Bihar’s healthcare sector and in the headlines of Bihar News.

10× Growth in 20 Years

As we have already discussed, by 2023, 611 types of medicines and 132 categories under “consumables and devices” are provided free of cost. This is literally a tenfold increase in just 20 years of time. Now, the free medicines are offered for a wider range of conditions which are as follows :

• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Blood clotting
• Allergies

This exponential growth is being appreciated applauded nationally, and featured regularly in Bihar news and policy discussions.

DVDMS Rankings: Bihar Ranked No. 1

The Drugs and Vaccine Distribution Management System (DVDMS) has ranked Bihar number one in free medicines distribution for five consecutive months now. DVDMS is a Central Government portal who is responsible for tracking medicine supply across India.

These consistent top results highlight appreciable policy execution by the officials. Bihar ranking number one in the DVDMS rankings has become a repeating phenomena in Bihar news reports and headlines throwing light to the improvements made in the Bihar healthcare sector.

Which Medicines Are Free?

Currently, the following drugs are provided free of cost if the patients visit any government hospital in Bihar :

• Life-saving emergency medicines
• Chemotherapy drugs for cancer
• Cardiac drugs for heart disease
• Inhalers for asthma
• Blood thinners and anti-allergic medicines

Before the new drug policy, these life saving medicines were only available in private shops which were not feasible for the poor families. Now they can easily access these medicine via Hospital based pre distributions making it one of the most celebrated aspects in Bihar news headlines.

Benefits of Bihar’s Free Drug Policy 2006

Bihar’s rural and economically weaker population has been the most benefitted by this new Free Drug Policy. Before 2005, even basic medicines were unavailable in public hospitals. The poor patients had to buy them from private medical shops go neglect their treatment. But now, with this wonderful policy, patients will no longer suffer. Cancer and heart patients from low-income background has been benefitted greatly.

Now, all the government hospitals have free stocks of medicines making it easier and more accessible for the patients. This will significantly help in improving the HDI (Human Development Index) of Bihar.

Bihar Budget Allocations for Free Medicines

As per the latest Bihar news, the health department is expected to allocate ₹1100 crore in FY 2025-26 under the Free Drug policy.

Prior to this, a total sum of ₹762 crore was allocated in FY 2024–25. This data shows that the government is committed to providing free healthcare facilities to the citizens and this growing trend has many potential benefits for Bihar.

Bihar as a National Model

Other Indian states are also getting inspired from Bihar for successfully implementing the policy. The Bihar Government uses a special online system under the DVDMS to track medicines supply. This tracking mechanism ensures that all the medicines are bought on time and available to the people.

The Bihar government is also trying to improve the existing system to check if the hospitals are actually handing over the medicines to the patients. Nevertheless, Bihar has set a new standard by successfully implementing the Free Drug Policy.

Conclusion

This Bihar news is more than just statistics! This shows the commitment to ease the hassle for patients and their families altogether. Bihar is an example of how just 20 years can bring a drastic change in the overall healthcare system of a state.

Moreover, the Bihar goverment is also undertaking more ambitious projects like the PMCH expansion which will make it World’s Second Largest Hospital in terms of bed size. The Bihar government under the leadership of Nitish Kumar is definitely committed to improve the situation of Bihar.

As the story continues, we can hope Bihar’s healthcare stories to be one of the most vital chapters in future Bihar news headlines.

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Shiv Bhardwaj

I’m a final-year engineering student with a deep interest in current affairs, politics, and international issues. Writing news is my part-time passion, where I focus on sharing credible and well-researched stories. Every article I publish is backed by verified sources and multiple levels of fact-checking to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness.