BENGALURU: Amid the H3N2 scare in the state, government hospitals are witnessing a shortage of life-saving drugs with patients expressing outrage against the Health Department.
After the Covid-19 pandemic, the cases of H3N2 virus are increasing in the state. On the other hand, instances of viral fever, cough and cold have also increased. Amidst this, patients at government hospitals are facing a shortage of vital drugs.
Patients say they are struggling to get even common emergency medicines and have to depend private chemist stores for fever pills as well as BP and sugar tablets. There is a lack of drugs including paracetamol, insulin, penicillin, chemotherapy drugs and patients are forced to buy them from outside.
“Viral disease-related medicines are required for the short term and, as the epidemic continues, certain medicines will be in shortage. We have called for a short-term tender and in three to four days, the tender will be opened. From April, 259 essential drugs will be available. The annual tender process is also going on. Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, most of the medicines have been supplied. We have given a clear instruction that antibiotics should not be taken in case of H3N2 infection Only after the consultation with medical experts should the antibiotics be taken”, said Randeep D, Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare Services.
“The doctor had prescribed three drugs of which I only had one at the hospital and they advised me to purchase the rest elsewhere, saying that they didn’t have stock. The government should make arrangements or else, it will be a problem for people like us”, said Siddaramaiah, an autorickshaw driver.
“I brought my grandmother to the hospital for her BP and sugar test. The doctors prescribed some tablets, but we got only BP tablets and they suggested that we buy the other medicines outside the hospital. When asked, they said they didn’t have stocks. Sometimes prescribed medicine are not available at the hospital and we have to buy it from outside. The Health Department should take necessary action to ensure adequate supply of essential drugs”, said Usha, a patient’s attendant.
“Some of the prescribed tablets are not available at the hospitals and, when asked, they say the stock is not available. We cannot afford treatment in private hospitals. It will be helpful if they stock all the required medicines”, said Kumar, who had also come with a patient.