Hyderabad: With three medical shops on Nims premises closed and the only operational outlet poorly stocked, patients are facing a problem. Angry relatives of patients have complained to the government and health minister Dr C. Laxma Reddy of the hardships they are facing.
Mr K. Nagesh, whose father is at Nims for end stage cancer said, “Even common medicines like painkillers, antacids and analgesics are not available. How can a hospital have only one store and that too without basic medicines.”
The generic medicine stores have been closed since 18 months due to lack of funds as well as staff. A senior officer said the contractor had gone to court.
Sources alleged a nexus between medical stores outside Nims premises and some senior officials and doctors in the hospital. Due to this, contractors face problems in operating medical shops.
Ms Anuradha Reddy, whose husband is undergoing treatment, said, “The doctors are very particular about some brands. They will not accept alternatives. We are forced to go to shops where those brands are available.” If an alternative brand is given, the paramedics working under the doctor would not accept it.
Nims director Dr K. Manohar said, “The problem of medical stores at the Panjagutta unit will be solved. The problems with the contractor are being settled. The government wants two generic stores and one more medical store to be started."
