Patna: Bihar has emerged as the leading state in India for providing free medicines to patients in government hospitals, continuing its dominance for over a year. According to officials, the state’s consistent focus on ensuring the availability of essential medicines at all healthcare facilities – from large urban hospitals to rural health centers – has played a key role in this achievement.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, tracks and ranks states monthly on healthcare delivery, including the provision of free medicines. Bihar first claimed the top position in October last year with a score of 79.34, surpassing Rajasthan. The state has successfully retained this leadership, achieving an improved score of 81.35 in the October 2025 ranking. Rajasthan follows in second place with 77.77, and Punjab ranks third with 71.80.
Extensive Network of Medicine Delivery Vehicles
To strengthen the supply of medicines and medical materials across the state, Bihar operates 165 GPS-equipped medicine vehicles. These vehicles ensure timely delivery of medicines to government hospitals and health centers, particularly in rural and remote areas. The initiative has significantly reduced dependence on private pharmacies, making essential medicines easily accessible to patients, including the economically weaker sections.
QR Code Integration for Real-Time Medicine Availability
In addition to physical distribution, Bihar has implemented QR code facilities in all government hospitals. These codes allow patients and their families to check the availability of specific medicines at the respective hospital or health center. This digital innovation ensures transparency, reduces uncertainty, and streamlines access to required medications.
Focus on Marginalized and Rural Populations
Bihar has approximately 10,626 government health institutions, ranging from medical colleges to primary health sub-centers. Annually, around 6.5 crore patients visit these facilities, and a significant proportion benefit from free medicines. The system particularly benefits poor and marginalized populations who previously struggled to afford expensive medications, thereby reducing their financial burden and improving access to treatment.
Range of Medicines Provided
The state has ensured availability of a wide variety of free medicines across different levels of healthcare institutions:
- Medical College Hospitals: 356 (OPD) + 255 (IPD) = 611 types of medicines
- District Hospitals: 287 (OPD) + 169 (IPD)
- Sub-Divisional Hospitals: 212 (OPD) + 101 (IPD)
- Community Health Centers: 212 (OPD) + 97 (IPD)
- Primary Health Centers: 201 (OPD) + 93 (IPD)
- Urban PHCs: 180 (OPD)
- Additional PHCs: 140 (OPD) + 53 (IPD)
- Health and Wellness Centers: 151 medicines
- Health Sub-Centers: 97 medicines
Foundation of Success Laid Two Years Ago
The groundwork for this achievement was laid about two years ago under the leadership of the then Additional Chief Secretary, Pratyay Amrit. A comprehensive action plan was implemented to strengthen Bihar’s healthcare infrastructure and ensure continuous medicine availability. Key measures included:
- Establishment of Essential Drug Lists (EDL) across health facilities
- Development of timely medicine replenishment guidelines
- Implementation of Essential Equipment Lists (EEL) for diagnostics
- Referral policies for patient transfers between lower and higher-level facilities
- Strict monitoring of medicine distribution via the Drugs and Vaccine Distribution Management System (DVDMS) portal
- Registration of patients through the AABH (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) app
Officials highlight that these measures have transformed Bihar’s healthcare delivery system, ensuring that patients no longer face shortages of essential medicines. The state’s model has become an example of how proactive policy, technology integration, and logistical planning can significantly improve access to healthcare.
