Improving reproductive and child health in India

The Indian government is improving the ways in which it delivers essential health services to its rural poor. Reproductive and child health are central to this. Preparation studies for a second Reproductive and Child Health Program (RCH II) identified weaknesses in the procurement of pharmaceuticals and other health sector goods, works and services. So to address this, the government set up an Empowered Procurement Wing within the health and family welfare ministry.

A Crown Agents team is turning the EPW into a centre of excellence for health procurement. As well as reviewing staffing and training needs we are helping to set in place procedures and systems for procurement itself, including storage, quality assurance and information management. We are also helping with day-to-day procurement tasks.

With Crown Agents' support, the ministry will achieve transparent and efficient procurement in the health sector, of immense benefit throughout the country and especially to India's rural poor.