GUWAHATI | Assam has secured the second position in India for access to essential medicines across public healthcare institutions, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on October 6, citing the state’s performance under the Essential Drugs List (EDL).

Sarma made the statement on social media while responding to Health Minister Ashok Singhal, who highlighted Assam’s national ranking in access to essential medicines.

Calling it a significant milestone for the state’s healthcare sector, Sarma said the key priority was ensuring that medicines reach patients when they need them.

“A proud moment for Assam’s healthcare journey,” Sarma said.

Assam provides essential medicines free of cost through the National Health Mission at government health institutions. The state has also maintained a state-level Essential Drugs List covering medicines required at different levels of public healthcare.

The state’s drug procurement system has been centralised through the Assam Medical Services Corporation Limited (AMSCL), with the aim of improving procurement efficiency, quality assurance and continuity of supply.

The centralised procurement model was also highlighted in the Union Health Ministry’s Best Practices Compendium 2026. The document said the system was introduced to address problems including stock-outs, procurement delays and fragmented purchasing, while improving transparency and quality assurance.

Under the system, drug procurement is carried out through e-procurement, while suppliers are required to meet specified quality standards. The model also includes arrangements intended to ensure uninterrupted supplies of medicines to public health facilities.

The National Health Mission’s Free Drugs Service is aimed at reducing the financial burden on patients by making essential medicines available free of cost at government health facilities. Assam’s programme covers public healthcare institutions across the state.

Sarma congratulated officials of the health department and others involved in the programme, and called for the momentum to be maintained.

The development comes as Assam continues to strengthen its public health supply chain, with the state also undertaking fresh procurement of medicines under its EDL and State Drugs List. A recent Assam government tender, for instance, covers the procurement of 21 drugs through a rate-contract system.