The Reproductive and Child Health programme (RCH II) aims to improve maternal and child health. It is an important part of the National Rural Health Mission by the government of India to improve the delivery of essential health services for the poor and marginalised population in rural areas. 
Based on the initial procurement capacity assessment studies, a dedicated unit, Empowered Procurement Wing (EPW), was established within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to support health procurement and increase transparency in the procurement process.
DFID awarded a consultancy contract to Crown Agents with the overall objective of improving transparency and efficiency in health sector procurement. Specifically the consultancy supported actions required to enhance the capacities of the (EPW) to promote professionalism and transparency in the procurement of health sector goods, works and services.
Under the Technical Assistance contract, Crown Agents provided a set of consultants to the Ministry to advise MoHFW on the procurement of drugs and equipment, develop capacities of the government officials and carry out improvement in supply chain and logistic management. The team of consultants comprised procurement and financial specialists, bio-medical engineers, pharmacists, IT experts and logistics and supply chain experts.
Crown Agents carried out a training needs analysis for the ministry staff, designed and delivered training to support all aspects of procurement. An operational and procurement manual was also developed for the ministry, laying out detailed procurement procedures. The team worked with MoHFW to develop a compendium of specifications for the procurement of bio-medical equipment and drugs. The team also developed an IT-based Procurement Management Information System to strengthen the logistics and supply chain system. The IT solution was piloted in a few states and was viewed as the first step towards e-procurement in the health sector.