THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government hospitals in Kerala are facing shortage of drugs, especially those meant for non communicable diseases. Many of the government hospitals are facing shortage of medicines for treating blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes and cardiac problems. “We have shortage of NCD in some hospitals. There is a “stock out” situation in case of some drugs. But we have directed hospital superintendents to make local purchase at their level in the event of acute shortage,” said a senior health official.
He said the district medical officers had also been asked to redistribute the medicines in such a manner that the institutions facing shortage manage to meet their demands. But fresh indents would be prepared and also local purchases would be carried out in case of any urgent requirement. “As of now there are no major problems related to non NCD drugs,” he added. When contacted KMSCL authorities said there was no shortage of medicines supply from their side. Additional supplies of non-NCD medicines were in transit and would reach the godowns in a couple of days.
“As far as other medicines, the KMSCL had stocks till April. The government had released funds just three days ago and there was no problem in payment of dues to the companies,” said a KMSCL official. As per the tender agreement, KMSCL has to clear the payment of drug companies within 45 days of the supply of medicines. KMSCL officials said at times hospitals fail to report shortage of drugs in time following which there could be temporary shortfall. However, the corporation keeps a close watch on the demand and supply chain. They said the efforts are to ensure that most medicines on the 550 odd Essential Drugs List are available in hospitals.
