TB, cancer drugs through civil supplies outlets: Divakaran

Thiruvananthapuram, June 19 (UNI) Kerala Civil Supplies Minister C Divakaran today told the state Assembly that medicine for tuberculosis, cancer and diabetes will be supplied through the civil supplies outlet with a rebate of 20 per cent.

Replying to questions, he said a decision had already been taken to supply medicine for chikungunya at half of the market price in the wake of outbreak of the viral fever.

Stating that Public Distribution System was facing a major challenge, he said the department would consider direct bulk purchase from the producers to bring down the prices. More mobile Maveli fair price shops would be opened soon.

Regarding the Planning Commission guidelines for identifying persons below the poverty line, the minister said guidelines were not practical in a state like Kerala.

Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan would soon take up the matter with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he said.

UNI