Vologda region centralizes medicine and medical supply procurement

Russia's Vologda region is moving to centralized purchasing of medicines, including expensive drugs, and consumable supplies for healthcare institutions, Governor Georgy Filimonov said.

The system will cover laboratory, endovascular, trauma and orthopaedic needs. Filimonov estimated that laboratory reagents alone could generate savings of at least 70 million roubles a year. Savings are to be used in part for healthcare workers' pay.

For equipment purchases, authorities intend to work directly with major suppliers rather than the intermediary organizations previously used. Filimonov said a joint purchase of eight rural medical and maternity posts saved 21.8 million roubles, which paid for another three modular facilities.

A purchase of six units of heavy medical equipment saved 248 million roubles, according to the governor. That money was used to buy a further 11 units of diagnostic equipment.

Purchases initiated by the chief doctors of central district hospitals will now require coordination with the Vologda Region Health Ministry.