“A robust mechanism in place to address any shortage in the supply of essential medicines”

Health Minister KG Arunraj on Tuesday (September 22, 2026) said a robust monitoring mechanism and standard operating procedure have been put in place to address any temporary gap in the supply of essential medicines, including surfactants, through immediate local procurement.

In a post on social media, the health minister was reacting to a report published in The Hindu – “Tamil Nadu government hospitals short of critical drugs for premature babies” – about the shortage of surfactants in the last few months.

“All Deans of Medical College Hospitals and Joint Directors of Health Services are instructed to use the funds readily available at the institutional level – including the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme funds and the operational costs of the Neonatal Special Care Unit – for the immediate procurement of surfactants. No SNCU in the state is allowed to keep premature newborns waiting for this life-saving medicine,” he said.

“As of date, ₹ 409.81 crore under Directorate of Medical Education and ₹ 34.17 crore under Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services are available to institutions for such procurement. There is no financial constraint to ensure continuous availability of surfactants,” the minister said.

Dr. Arunraj added that instructions to utilize locally available funds have been reiterated to all senior doctors and heads of paediatrics. Compliance will be closely monitored and any lapse at the institutional level in using the local procurement mechanism will be taken seriously, he said.

Published – 22 Sep 2026 21:46 IST