Aurangabad, Jan 13:
Patients at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) are asked to buy expensive medicines from private medicine shops due to shortage of medicines. Only inexpensive medicines prescribed by doctors are available from GMCH dispensary. Many patients cannot afford the expensive medicines and have to return without treatment.
Out of 255 essential medicines in the GMCH, 100 medicines are out of stock. Only 124 types of medicines are currently available. Therefore, patients from the OPD and casualty department have to buy medicines from outside. On Wednesday, patients were being asked to buy medicines from private pharmacies. Many expressed their anger about the shortage of medicines in GMCH.
Due to the shortage of medicines, nurses and resident doctors have to face patients and relatives' wrath, said a staff member. Head of the drug store, Dr Madhuri Kulkarni said, we are getting medicines from the district hospital, Deputy director of health, and the corporation's health department. However, as per the government decision dated November 20, it will not be possible to buy medicines locally. Only Haffkine Corporation will supply medicines. There are currently 35 Covid drugs available. Primarily there is a shortage of antibiotics."
Relatives have to items required for delivery
The GMCH is one of the leading maternity hospitals in the state. However, due to the ongoing shortage of medicines, the relatives of the women who came for delivery were asked to bring all necessary items from outside. The patients had to spend Rs 900 to 1,000 for all items.
Agents take control of hospital
Agents from private medical stores are seen standing at the main entrance of the surgical building. These agents have made arrangements to take the relatives on a two-wheeler till the shop. The agents are also well aware of the time of the doctor's visit to the ward.
Making alternative arrangements
A fund of Rs 7.5 crore has been allotted to Halfkin Corporation. But GMCH has not yet received any medicine from Haffkine for the fiscal year 2020-21. It will take at least a month for supplies to start from Haffkine. Attempts are being made to make alternative arrangements to deal with the shortage. We are trying to procure essential medicines locally, said dean Dr Kanan Yelikar.