Civic hospitals in Mumbai run out of medicines…..Somita Pal
Important life-saving medicines like the ones given to all head injury patients so that they do not get seizures, are out of stock in civic hospitals for nearly two months now because of red tape.
The worst affected is the Sion hospital which gets themaximum trauma cases. The apathy of BMC administration is such that even after a year of passing tenders, medicines have not yet reached the hospital. The hospital gets 24-28 trauma cases on an average every day.
“Before 2008, the local committee of the hospital decided on medicine purchases. After that the Central Purchasing Authority (CPA) was formed. The people on the new board who were not doctors don’t knowabout the importance of medicines,” said a senior doctor from Sion hospital.
The local committee of the hospital has to send the details of all medicines that is required and quantity. But can’t purchase as it requires a no objection certificate and this is where the proposal has been stuck for last two months. “While the proposal for buying emergency medicines has been pending with the authorities, tenders for gauze pieces, used in dressing, were finalised about a year ago but the person whom the tender was given, has withdrawn.
The minimum supply/ delivery time taken by the CPA is 37 to 40 days. “We have been asked not to prescribe medicines as the patients coming to us can not afford the cost but we are forced to do so,” said another senior doctor.
Heparin which is used for paralysis patients and is an anti-coagulant is available in the market for Rs2,000- 4,000. “We are questioned by the patients on why the hospital can’t provide it,” said a doctor.
Rajul Patel, chairman of the BMC’s health Committee said, “We will inquire and expedite the procedure.”