The State Government's claim to provide generic medicines to the poor at subsidised rate under Centre-sponsored Jan Aushadhi scheme has been proved wrong as the only store set up on the premises of the District Headquarters Hospital still remains defunct.
As per Government's claim, the poor patients were to be provided generic medicines at a price as low as one-tenth of the prevailing market rate through drug stores established under Centre-sponsored Jan Aushadhi scheme.
The worst sufferers are the tribals and patients who come from the remote areas as they have to bear the travel expenses along with the cost of medicines.
This apart, even the circular of the State Government asking doctors to prescribe generic medicines is not being adhered to. Sources said neither are the patients prescribed low priced medicines nor do they get free medicines from hospital stores.
Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Sashi Bhusan Panda cited staff shortage as the reason behind closing of the generic medicine store.
"It has been closed after the only pharmacist appointed by Indian Red Cross Society to look after the store resigned," Panda said. We are making alternative arrangements to reopen the store soon, he added.
Regarding low cost medicines not being prescribed as per the government norms, Panda said he will look into the matter so that the poor are benefited. "Against 300 types of generic drugs, the district has received only 70 types, thereby making it difficult for us to prescribe generic medicines for the poor," Panda said.
Collector M Muthukumar said steps to reopen the generic drug store on the DHH premises will be taken at the earliest.