The Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department on February 7 ordered an addition to the list of Drugs and Diagnostics being provided free of cost to the patients in government hospitals, Sub-Centres and Primary Health Centres (PHC).

A list of 15 drugs and 9 diagnostic services will now be made available at the PHC level. This would be another initiative of the department towards ensuring quality and affordable health care services to its citizens with minimal out of pocket expenses. The free diagnostics thus incorporated include Urine Dipstick in the Sub Center, besides the Rapid Syphills Test, HIV Serology Rapid Test, Typhoid Serology, Hepatitis Test Basic HBSAG, Liver Function Test, Blood Urea, Creatinine, Lipid Profile and Stool Test.

Similarly, free drugs incorporated include Enalapril, Metamorphine, Glimepiride, Telmestatine, Salbutanol, Ibuprofen and Fluconozol and Pheytoin Sodium tablets Albendazole and Metronidazole Benzorate oral syrups, Gentamycin and Dexamethasone injections, Xylometazoline nasal drops, Wax Solvent Ear Drops and Liquid Paraffin.