The Bihar government is making significant strides in improving healthcare access for its rural and remote populations. By transforming health sub-centers into Health and Wellness Centers and linking them with the Drug and Vaccine Distribution Management System (DV DMS), the state is ensuring timely delivery of free medicines and treatments at the grassroots level. This initiative aims to make healthcare more accessible and efficient, particularly in the most underserved areas of Bihar.
Enhancing Healthcare Delivery through Digital Integration
The state health department has already listed 13,856 healthcare institutions under the DV DMS. These institutions include health sub-centers, Health and Wellness Centers, and additional primary health centers. The integration of this digital system allows for real-time monitoring of the demand and supply of medicines at each health center based on their specific requirements. The department believes that this will reduce complaints related to medicine shortages, ensuring a more consistent and reliable supply across the state.
Bringing Healthcare to the Panchayat Level
One of the key objectives of this initiative is to provide treatment for common ailments at the panchayat level itself. Health and Wellness Centers now offer screening for chronic diseases like hypertension (BP), diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases. To make it easier for patients, they are given a 30-day supply of medicine in one go, reducing the need for frequent visits to hospitals. This system not only saves patients time and money but also reduces the pressure on district and block-level hospitals.
The government has set clear guidelines for the number of medicines to be stocked at each level of healthcare facilities. At Health and Wellness Centers, about 100 types of medicines will be available, while health sub-centers will have 25 types of medicines, and additional primary health centers will offer around 120 to 130 types of medicines. This ensures continuity in treatment and eliminates the need for patients to purchase medicines from outside sources.
Bihar Leads the Country in Free Medicine Distribution
Bihar has consistently been one of the leading states in the country when it comes to the distribution of free medicines. In November 2025, the state secured the top position in this area, surpassing larger states. With an impressive score of over 81%, Bihar’s health department views this achievement as a testament to the success of its ongoing healthcare programs.
Strengthening the Supply Chain with Medicine Vehicles
To ensure the timely delivery of medicines, the state operates a fleet of 170 medicine vehicles. These vehicles work on a two-tier system to deliver medicines from the district to the block level and from the block to the panchayat level. This efficient system has ensured that even remote health centers receive their medicine supplies on time, enhancing the overall healthcare delivery process.
Transforming Healthcare with a Digital System and Robust Supply Chain
Through the implementation of a digital system, the expansion of healthcare services to the panchayat level, and the strengthening of the supply chain, Bihar is working to revolutionize its healthcare infrastructure. If this model continues to be effectively implemented, healthcare will become not just a right but a reality for those living on the margins of society.
The integration of technology with healthcare services ensures better transparency, real-time tracking, and improved access to essential medicines and treatments, making a significant impact on the health outcomes of Bihar’s rural population.
With the ongoing reforms, Bihar is paving the way for a more inclusive and efficient healthcare system. The state’s efforts to ensure the timely distribution of free medicines and treatments at the panchayat level are commendable. By implementing a digital approach and strengthening the supply chain, Bihar is setting an example for other states in terms of healthcare accessibility and efficiency. If these initiatives continue to be successful, they will provide a robust healthcare framework for even the most remote areas of the state.
