Terms of Reference
Consultant (Drugs and Logistics), Quality and Patient Safety, NHSRC
National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC) has been set up under the National Health Mission (NHM) as an autonomous registered society, to channelize technical assistance and capacity building support to the states for strengthening the public health system. The NHSRC is also mandated to contribute towards National strategic health planning and programme design. Work at the NHSRC is organised around seven divisions, namely – Community Processes & Comprehensive Primary Care (CP-CPHC), Quality & Patient Safety, Public Health Planning, Public Health Administration, Healthcare Financing & Healthcare Technology and Human Resources for Health. NHSRC intends recruiting Consultant – Drugs & Logistics purely on short-term basis.
Summary of the Position:
India is the country with out-of-pocket expenses (OOPE) on healthcare, of which approx.
40%. Under the National Health Mission (NHM), the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MOHFW) has been supporting the states to improve access to free/affordable drugs to the beneficiaries through recently launched Free Drugs Service Initiative. This support includes strengthening system of procurement, developing IT Backed supply chain system (Drugs and Vaccine distribution system (DVDMS), introducing latest warehousing techniques, Quality Assurance System, prescription audits, setting up of grievance redressal system, and channelizing Information, education, and communication (IEC). MoHFW has also launched an IT enabled drug tracking & monitoring system, DVDMS (Drug & Vaccine Distribution and Management System), which provides real-time monitoring of drug availability at different level. The incumbent would be expected to coordinate and facilitate the implementation of the Free Drugs Initiative in the states, which would encompass handholding the states during the roll out and managing the operational issues faced during the implementation. S/he would also be expected to coordinate with the MoHFW, Software development organisation, states and other stakeholders.
Roles & Responsibilities:
• Expected role of the incumbent is multi-dimensional and are summarized below:
• To review, update, rationalize, and map State Essential Medicines Lists (EMLs) in alignment with the revised Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS), National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM), and program-specific requirements for various levels of public health facilities.
• To support categorization of medicines as Essential and Desirable, and ensure regulatory compliance under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, NDPS Act, and other applicable frameworks.
• To review and assess existing procurement, logistics, and supply chain management systems across States/UTs, and recommend evidence-based improvements aligned with national guidelines and best practices.
• To conduct situational analysis, field visits, and gap assessments to support States/UTs in strengthening drug procurement, warehousing, distribution, and last-mile availability under the Free Drugs Service Initiative (FDSI).
• To assist States/UTs and MoHFW in the adoption, customization, strengthening, and effective utilization of IT-based Logistics Management Information Systems (LMIS) such as DVDMS (Central Dashboard), e-Aushadhi.
• To analyse supply chain data from DVDMS and other LMIS platforms for monitoring drug availability, stock status, expiry management, lead times, and performance indicators.
• To support the development and implementation of scientific quantification and demand forecasting mechanisms, including AI-driven forecasting models and data-based procurement planning tools.
• To undertake financial analysis of State proposals under Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs), review approvals under Record of Proceedings (RoP), and assess budget utilization efficiency in relation to drug procurement and logistics.
• Support in developing guidelines/ SOPs/ guidance documents/training Modules, etc.
• To collect, compile, validate, and analyse data related to drug procurement, supply chain performance, expenditure, and availability from States/UTs, and prepare analytical reports, dashboards, and policy briefs for MoHFW.
• To coordinate with State Health Departments, Procurement Corporations, CDAC/HMIS/Statistics division teams, and relevant Programme Divisions for strengthening procurement, quality assurance, and supply chain management systems.
• To support capacity building initiatives, including conducting review meetings, workshops, and technical trainings for state officials and supply chain personnel.
• To track and review the periodic data uploaded by the states on DVDMS developed by MOHFW.
• Any other function, as allotted by Advisor – Quality & Patient Safety.
Qualification & Experience: (Regular Degrees Only):
For achieving above-mentioned deliverables, the applicant is expected to possess following qualifications & experience
Essential:
• Full-time B. Pharma degree from a recognized institute with Master’s Degree in Pharmacy or Pharm D or a full-time MBA/ PGDM in Pharmaceutical Management /Supply Chain Management/Healthcare Management/Hospital Management/Master's in Public Health.
• Minimum 2 years post qualification experience in drug procurement and supply chain management/ inventory management/ Warehouse management/field level experience in Free Drugs Service implementation
• Sound knowledge of drugs and pharmaceuticals, storage practices, pharmacopoeias, Drugs & Cosmetics Act, NDPS Act, National Formulary of India (NFI), National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM), GFR and other relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Sound knowledge of IPHS and National Health Programmes
• Strong IT skills with hands-on experience in Logistics Management Information Systems (LMIS), including DVDMS (central dashboard and state implementations such as e-Aushadhi).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable:
• Experience in data analysis, quantification, demand forecasting, and use of AI-driven forecasting models/tools for drug procurement and supply planning.
• Experience in vendor management/rate contracts/framework agreements, and performance monitoring
• Experience in inventory optimization techniques (ABC–VEN analysis, FSN, HML, safety stock calculation, lead-time analysis).
• Field experience in implementation support, capacity building, or state handholding for supply chain strengthening initiatives.
• Proficiency in MS Office package, especially Excel (data analysis, dashboards, reporting) and PowerPoint.
Note:
• Please note that fulfilling the eligibility criteria does not result into short-listing of the candidates for the interview.
Written Test Condition: If the recruitment process includes a written test, a minimum qualifying mark will be 70%. In case 2 or more candidates qualify with the same marks, all such candidates will be considered.
Age Limit: 45 Years and below
Work Location: New Delhi; Opportunity to gain hands-on experience of the public health canvas of states and districts. Travel to states and districts will be involved.
Remuneration Range: Between Rs. 60,000/- to Rs. 1,20,000/- per month
(*Fee offered within the band will be commensurate with qualification and experience.)
Other Benefits: In addition to the remuneration mentioned above, Consultants of NHSRC are entitled to Free Accidental insurance, Subsidized Medical insurance, Mobile bills reimbursement, Laptop reimbursement (As per NHSRC Policy), 30 days Consolidated leave, fully paid Maternity leave (For Female Consultants) as per Government of India policy, performance linked increments, TA/ DA and per diem for on-duty visits.
Duration of Contract: Contract till 31st March 2028 with further extensions of similar duration (subject to satisfactory performance)
Candidates selected in this interview could be considered for other vacant positions at NHSRC requiring similar skill sets and at an appropriate level.
How to apply: Candidates are requested to complete the online application correctly which is available on the NHSRC website (http://nhsrcindia.org). Applications will be accepted in the prescribed online application format only. The last date for receiving applications is 1st December 2026
Note: If you face any issue while applying for the position, you may contact us at 011-26108983/84 (between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM) or by email at: hr.nhsrc@nhsrcindia.org .