Guwahati, Oct. 7 -- Assam has secured the second position in India for access to essential medicines across public healthcare institutions, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on October 6, highlighting the achievement as a significant step forward for the state's healthcare system.

Sarma made the statement on social media while responding to Health Minister Ashok Singhal, who said Assam had achieved the second-highest national ranking in access to essential medicines under the Essential Drugs List (EDL).

Calling the achievement a "proud moment" for Assam's healthcare sector, Sarma said the key priority was ensuring that patients received medicines when they needed them.

Assam maintains a state-level Essential Drugs List and provid...