Govt debunks fake media claims, confirms adequate contraceptive stock for family planning programme
Government debunked false media claims regarding contraceptives, confirming ample stock, and vigilantly monitored procurement.
- India News
- 2 min read
In response to ‘media reports’ alleging a potential crisis in India's family planning program due to purported failures in contraceptive procurement, the Union Health Ministry has issued a clarification, dispelling these claims as ill-informed and misleading, on Tuesday December 12.
Addressing the concerns, the Central Medical Services Society (CMSS), operating as a key procurement agency under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has assured the adequacy of current contraceptive stocks to meet the requirements of the National Family Planning Programme. Specifically, CMSS acquired 5.88 crores pieces of condoms for the Family Planning Programme in May 2023, underlining that the present stock position remains ample to support the program effectively.
Highlighting the collaborative efforts with the National AIDS Control Programme (NACO), it was disclosed that NACO presently receives 75 percent of its required condoms from HLL Lifecare. Plans are underway to secure the remaining 25 percent quantities for 2023-24 through CMSS, based on recent approvals. Additionally, an order for 66 million pieces from HLL Lifecare Ltd. is in the pipeline to fulfil the one-year requirement, ensuring a continuous supply without any reported shortfalls due to procurement delays.
Highlighting the proactive measures, CMSS has already initiated tenders in the current financial year for various condom varieties, with these processes in the final stages of completion. The Union Health Ministry also added in its statement that ,” it is keeping a close watch on the situation and a weekly review meeting is being held in the Ministry to monitor tendering process and supply position of various medicines and medical items being procured by the CMSS for various Programmes of the Ministry.’
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In light of these developments, health officials reiterated that there is no cause for alarm regarding the continuity of India's family planning initiatives.