KMSCL starts buying medicines directly from manufacturers, cutting insulin cost from ₹99.60 to ₹73

Kerala Health Health & Medicine Polity & Governance

KMSCL starts buying medicines directly from manufacturers, cutting insulin cost from ₹99.60 to ₹73

10 October 2026

The Kerala Medical Services Corporation Ltd (KMSCL) has begun procuring medicines directly from manufacturers instead of through intermediaries.
The step followed a directive of Health Minister K. Muraleedharan amid medicine shortages in government hospitals.
A 10 ml vial of insulin that cost ₹99.60 will now be bought at ₹73; a four-month supply at this rate saves about ₹18.50 crore.
Erythropoietin injections, earlier sourced through agents at ₹110 a dose, will now cost ₹80.
Manufacturers agreed to the lower prices on condition that KMSCL pays within two months of supply, which KMSCL accepted.
KMSCL plans to extend direct purchase to other medicines in short supply.

Insulin vial (10 ml), old price: ₹99.60 Insulin vial, new price: ₹73 Saving on four-month insulin supply: ₹18.50 crore Erythropoietin per dose: ₹110 → ₹80 Payment window accepted: Within two months

Why it matters for exams: Tests knowledge of Kerala's central drug procurement agency and how public procurement costs are reduced.

Kerala PSCUPSC

10 October 2026 Source: Onmanorama

In plain words

KMSCL Kerala Medical Services Corporation Ltd — The State agency that buys and distributes medicines and equipment for Kerala's government hospitals.

Erythropoietin Erythropoietin (EPO) — A hormone injection that stimulates red blood cell production, used in kidney disease and during cancer treatment.