To resolve recurring shortages of essential medicines under Rajasthan’s free medicine scheme, the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL) is rolling out an automated drug demand generation system across government hospitals.

Key Highlights Complaints of medicine shortages prompt action

• RMSCL received frequent complaints from patients about the unavailability of drugs at government hospitals under the free medicines scheme.

• Investigations revealed that improper or inconsistent demand generation by hospitals was a key reason behind shortages.

Automated demand system to replace manual process

• RMSCL will replace manual calculations with a tech-driven demand forecasting system.

• The system will use a formula based on three-year historical consumption data (excluding COVID years), factoring in peak usage, annual averages, and a 10% buffer margin.

Inventory and expiry monitoring integrated
The new system will also track drug expiry dates and update warehouse stock levels automatically, helping ensure timely replenishment.

Statements from Leaders or Officials
 Neha Giri, Managing Director, RMSCL, told TOI, “We want more automation in demand generation from the field (hospitals). Manual calculation can sometimes be misleading. With the new system, we aim to forecast demand more accurately and reduce shortages.”With this automated demand system, RMSCL aims to streamline medicine distribution, reduce stockouts, and enhance the reliability of Rajasthan’s free drug scheme. Once fully implemented, this initiative is expected to improve patient access and strengthen hospital supply chain management across the state.