Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

"NIRAMAYA" - is the Free Medicines Distribution Scheme of the Govt. of Odisha, Health & Family Welfare Dept. It is a flagship programme of Govt. of Odisha being implemented since 1st May 2015.
Under "Niramaya", 317 essential drugs, 107 numbers of Lifesaving Cancer drugs, 20 types of Non-EDL Items & 83 numbers of medical consumables/surgical & sutures have been benchmarked for different institutions as follows:
Sl. No. Description No. of Items
i General Items 317
ii Surgical items 83
iii Anti-cancer items 107
iv OSACS 21
v Child Health 6
vi Nutrition programme 6
vii Malaria control programme 28
viii Leprosy 5
Total EDL & Programme Items 573
IX Others Items (Non EDL) 20
Total 593
Patients who have done registration in the Govt. Hospitals are eligible to get free medicines under "Niramaya".
A patient can get free drugs as suggested in the prescription. For example, if the prescription is for 7 days, drugs for all 7 days are to be given. In special chronic cases, drugs may be issued up to one month at a time and can be issued further on advice of the physician on subsequent visit.
The timing for at least one "Drug Distribution Counter (DDC)" at all medical colleges, major health institutions, district head quarter hospitals & sub-divisional hospitals is "24 X 7". In case of CHC the timing for "DDCs" is as per the OPD timing.
Yes. Any registered patient claiming for assistance under OSTF/RSBY/BKKY is eligible to get drugs under "Niramaya". However, in case of non-availability of the generic drug, the same shall be given from outside.
For getting the drugs under "Niramaya", a patient has to follow the protocol as below: Registration ---> Consultation with doctor ---> Prescription ---> Receipt of drugs from DDC Counter.
For any grievance related to drugs availability at various levels, please contact the authorities as given below:
> Block Level - Medical Officer In-charge
> Sub-divisional Level - Sub-divisional Medical Officer
> District Level - CDMO / ADMO(med) / Store Medical Officer
> Tertiary Level Institutions - Superintendent / Store Medical Officer
> State Level - Jt. Director, State Drug Management Unit
The roles of different agencies are as follows:
I. District Health Administration:- Supervision and monitoring of DDCs are the responsibility of CDMOs / ADMO (Med) / Store Medical Officer at district level & head of the institution.
II. Odisha State Medical Corporation:- Central Procurement of drugs and surgical and supply of drugs, consumables, surgical & sutures.
III. Director of Health Services:- Overall monitoring of "Niramaya" scheme, Redressal of grievances related to shortages of drugs, etc, conducting prescription audit, preparation of annual procurement plan, etc.
IV. Director of Medical Education and Training:- Overall monitoring and supervision of Niramaya in medical colleges.
To know more about OSMC please visit www.osmcl.nic.in.You can also visit the Corporation Facebook page "Odisha State Medical Corporation Ltd".Twitter account -http://twitter.com/OSMCL1