The World Bank hailed India’s efforts in tackling Covid-19 pandemic in a report documenting the challenges, innovations and lessons in the procurement of essential medical items. In a paper titled, ‘India Covid-19 Procurement: Challenges, innovations, and Lessons’, shared by the health ministry on Tuesday, the World Bank noted that the Indian government’s decision to have centralised procurement, support to long-term market development and production of Emergency Medical Equipment (EME) and early export restrictions worked in its favour during the public health emergency in the country. “Covid-19 created unprecedented shortages of essential medical supplies and equipment due to the sudden surge in demand,” the paper said according to a report by the Hindustan Times. “Severe global supply chain constraints of essential Covid commodities and unprecedented demand for lifesaving equipment led to an entirely supplier-driven market and a huge variation in prices.” View More…