Thiruvananthapuram: A severe scarcity of life-saving medications is plaguing government hospitals, the healthcare providers for the common populace. From Primary Health Centers to Medical College hospitals, a deficit in essential medicines is evident. Compounding the issue, the government owes Rs 500 crore in arrears to pharmaceutical companies, creating a dire situation. The crisis has worsened as the Finance Department has repeatedly rejected the Health Department’s demands, citing a lack of funds.
Hospitals are facing shortages of vital medications such as Insulin and Metformin for diabetic patients, Glimepiride, Amlo for high blood pressure, Azithromycin for bacterial infections, Pantoprazole for acidity reduction, Clopidogrel for preventing blood clots, and others crucial for heart diseases and strokes.
The Kerala Medical Services Corporation is responsible for drug distribution, but due to the lack of funds, there are concerns that the medicine shortage may persist until March. Debts from medicines purchased in three phases remain unpaid to pharmaceutical companies. Despite the critical situation, Health Minister Veena George maintains that there is no shortage of medicines, further fueling the mounting criticism.
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