Shortage of drugs hits patients in Kathua

Our Correspondent

Kathua, October 3

The dispensary at the Associated Medical College, Kathua, has been facing shortage of medicines, thereby, forcing poor patients to purchase expensive medicines from private medical stores.

Only about 30 per cent medicines listed outside the dispensary room are available in the hospital dispensary. Most of the much-needed emergency drugs are out of stock, posing great risk to serious patients coming at odd hours.

“The newly-established Government Medical College has witnessed a sudden rise in the number of patients. More than 33,000 patients visit the medical college every month. Pharmacists at the dispensary find it tough to provide the exact medicines to patients as per the recommendation of doctors,” sources in the hospital said.

At present, the hospital has been facing shortage of life-saving drugs, antibiotics, anti-allergic medicines, injections and other emergency drugs. Even syringe with needle of 5 ml, intravenous set with air way and needle and disposable gloves are out of stock.

“Poor patients, generally pregnant women, have been suffering the most due to unavailability of medicines. Sometimes, either iron capsules, folic acid run out of stock or calcium capsules remain unavailable,” Rajinder Pacifist, a social worker said.

Medical Superintendent, medical college, Kathua, Dr Chitra Vaishnavi, admitted there was shortage of medicines in the hospital.