We have enough contraceptives in India: Govt debunks myths on condom shortage

Written by Kajal Rajput Published On 2023-12-13T17:27:03+05:30 | Updated On 14 Dec 2023 12:19 PM IST

New Delhi: Responding to some media reports alleging that India’s family planning program is likely to get severely affected due to failure in procuring contraceptives by the country's central procurement agency, the Central Medical Services Society (CMSS) under the government of India has issued a response stating that such reports are ill-informed and provides misleading information.

The Central Medical Services Society (CMSS), New Delhi, an autonomous body and a Central Procurement Agency under Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare procures condoms for National Family Planning Programme and National AIDS Control Programme.

Through a recent release, CMSS clarified that it procured 5.88 crores pieces of condoms for Family Planning Programme in May, 2023 and the present stock position of condoms is sufficient to meet the requirement of the Family Planning Programme.

Also Read:Union Health Minister releases 5th National family health Survey report at 'Swasthya Chintan Shivir'

"Currently, NACO is receiving supplies of 75% free condoms from M/s HLL Lifecare Ltd. and is preparing to place remaining 25% quantities for 2023-24 with CMSS on the basis of recent approvals. Requirement of NACO is being met through 66 million pieces ordered from Ms HLL Lifecare Ltd. The order is currently under supplies and indents for one year requirements will be placed with Ms HLL Lifecare Ltd. and CMSS with the approvals of competent authority. There has been no instance of shortfall due to delay in procurement by CMSS," the CMSS stated

CMSS has already published tenders in the current financial year for procurement of different varieties of condoms and these tenders are at advance stage of finalization.

"It is clarified that there is no cause for worry as the Union Health Ministry is keeping a close watch on the situation and 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," CMSS in its release added

Also Read:Govt not considering to bring two-child policy: Union MoS Health

Central Medical Services SocietyHealth MinistryNational Family Planning ProgrammeNational AIDS Control ProgrammeAIDS

Kajal Rajput

Kajal joined Medical Dialogue in 2019 for the Latest Health News. She has done her graduation from the University of Delhi. She mainly covers news about the Latest Healthcare. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.