Free Life-Saving Drugs Missing At RML
They are supposed to get these drugs for free.
Among the missing medicines are pantoprazole injection for severe acid reflux and ulcers, labetalol injection for dangerously high blood pressure, alprazolam tablets for anxiety and panic disorders, norfloxacin tablets for bacterial infections, trypsin–chymotrypsin for swelling and clopidogrel 75mg, a critical blood thinner.
The crisis is not limited to medicines. Basic items such as sterile urine containers, vacutainers, UPT kits and even chlorhexidine hand wash have also ran out, adding to patients' burden.
RML is one of the largest central govt hospitals in the city.
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For many families, the impact is devastating. "My father was prescribed a blood thinner, but the hospital pharmacy said it was out of stock. We had to rush outside and buy it at our own expense," said Sunita Devi, an attendant waiting outside the OPD. "Poor families come here because treatment is supposed to be free. Now even basic medicines aren't available."
Recently, the matter was flagged by a social activist before Union health minister JP Nadda in a letter. It stated, "There are so many items related to patient care not available in the hospital. Even the basic items like monitors (required for patients in shock), disposable gowns, DNS fluids, face masks, saline fluids, injections, Ryles tubes, etc., are not available. In case of any emergency or mass casualty, this shortage will not only affect patient care but also damage the reputation of such a reputed central govt hospital, and by extension, the central govt.
"
Many doctors in the hospital blamed poor systems for the problem. "There is no automatic supply-and-demand mechanism in the OPD pharmacy. Unless doctors personally follow up with the store and purchase section, shortages persist. Huge sums are spent on projects to meet NABH accreditation, but patients care most about medicines, non-essentials," they pointed out.
Hospital officials admitted the shortages but assured that supplies would be restored soon. They said the disruption was triggered by an administrative gap after former director Dr Ajay Shukla turned 62 on May 8 and, under rules, could no longer continue. During the 30-40 day transition before the new director took charge, procurement stalled and files got stuck, delaying orders. However, officials added, a few items, including iso sorbitrate, have already been supplied and more consignments are expected shortly.
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