Instead of pharmacist, cashier dispensed medicine at PGI pharmacy, committee report confirms
The report confirms that a cashier, not a pharmacist, handed over the medicine in question on February 18, 2024. As per the inquiry findings, the pharmacist on duty was away in the washroom when the incident happened. The cashier admitted to dispensing the medicine (Dtoin) without verifying any prescription, and the committee noted that the bill was generated without recording the patient's name, which is against standard procedures.
The complainant stated that his driver had gone to collect the medicine with a message detailing the required drug. However, the committee found discrepancies. The original message was never produced despite multiple reminders, making it difficult to verify what prescription was shown at the counter. Interestingly, while the cash memo and physical medicine matched, the prescription mentioned a different drug (Drotin), raising further doubts.
The committee concluded that due to a lack of the actual message by showing which medicine was dispensed, it cannot be established that wrong dispensing was done. The report noted that the medicine was dispensed by a cashier, which is a serious issue and initiation of necessary action has been recommended against the pharmacy. The report also stated that comparing the rates of medicines with online prices was beyond their scope. This incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter monitoring of outsourced pharmacy services in government hospitals, to ensure patient safety and accountability.
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Indian Express
8 hours ago
- Indian Express
Instead of pharmacist, cashier dispensed medicine at PGI pharmacy, committee report confirms
An internal inquiry conducted by a four-member committee of PGI, Chandigarh, has revealed serious lapses in medicine dispensing protocols at the institute's Amrit and Generic pharmacy. A complaint filed by a Panchkula resident alleged that the wrong medicine was dispensed at higher rates and by unqualified staff. The report confirms that a cashier, not a pharmacist, handed over the medicine in question on February 18, 2024. As per the inquiry findings, the pharmacist on duty was away in the washroom when the incident happened. The cashier admitted to dispensing the medicine (Dtoin) without verifying any prescription, and the committee noted that the bill was generated without recording the patient's name, which is against standard procedures. The complainant stated that his driver had gone to collect the medicine with a message detailing the required drug. However, the committee found discrepancies. The original message was never produced despite multiple reminders, making it difficult to verify what prescription was shown at the counter. Interestingly, while the cash memo and physical medicine matched, the prescription mentioned a different drug (Drotin), raising further doubts. The committee concluded that due to a lack of the actual message by showing which medicine was dispensed, it cannot be established that wrong dispensing was done. The report noted that the medicine was dispensed by a cashier, which is a serious issue and initiation of necessary action has been recommended against the pharmacy. The report also stated that comparing the rates of medicines with online prices was beyond their scope. This incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter monitoring of outsourced pharmacy services in government hospitals, to ensure patient safety and accountability.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
PGI performs groundbreaking brain tumour surgery on 2-year-old girl
1 2 Chandigarh: A team of neurosurgeons at PGI successfully performed a groundbreaking brain surgery on a two-year-old girl from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, who was losing her vision. The doctors removed a giant 4.5 cm brain tumour through the child's nose, a procedure considered one of the most challenging in paediatric neurosurgery. Dr S S Dhandapani, who led the team, previously published the first report in the world on endonasal surgery for craniopharyngioma—surgery for the removal of a brain tumour of size 3.4 cm at 16 months of age. "But tumours larger than 4 cm, called giant tumours, have never undergone surgery through the nose at 2 years of age, except once before at Stanford," said Dr Dhandapani. The young patient arrived at the hospital with significant vision loss in both eyes and hormonal deficiencies. An MRI scan revealed a massive tumour, a craniopharyngioma, lodged deep at the base of her brain, close to critical structures like the optic nerves and hypothalamus. While the standard treatment for such tumours involves opening the skull, this approach was too risky for a child so young. The surgical team opted for a highly advanced endoscopic endonasal surgery — a procedure where surgeons navigate through the nasal passages to reach the tumour. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dolly Parton, 79, Takes off Her Makeup and Leaves Us Without Words The Noodle Box Undo This approach avoids cutting into the skull and retracting the brain, significantly reducing recovery time and potential damage. However, performing this surgery on a small child less than 4 years of age is challenging. "The child's nasal corridors are tiny, the bones at the skull base are still immature, and vital blood vessels are in close proximity. We had to make holes close to the carotid artery—major blood vessels in the neck that supply oxygenated blood to the brain, face, and neck," said the neurosurgeon. Over a gruelling six-hour operation, the team, which included ENT surgeon Dr Rijuneeta, utilised a thin, high-definition endoscope and computer navigation to meticulously create a path to the tumour. With a combination of specialised micro-instruments and extensive drilling of immature bones, they carefully dissected the tumour from the delicate neural structures and removed it piece by piece through the nose. Just 10 days later, a CT scan confirmed the near-total removal of the tumour, and the young girl is now stable. "But we have to wait for the restoration of her vision, which was lost before the surgery due to the delay in coming to us," said Dhandapani.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
PGI's Rs 490 cr Advanced Neuroscience Centre nears launch by Sept
Chandigarh: India's healthcare system, currently facing a critical shortage of neurologists—with just one specialist available per million people—is on the brink of a major breakthrough. The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI), Chandigarh, is preparing to launch its long-awaited Advanced Neuroscience Centre, a Rs 490 crore project that promises to revolutionise neurological and neurosurgical care across the country. Approved in 2017 and with construction beginning in 2020, the centre is now nearing full operationalisation. PGI officials have confirmed that the outpatient department (OPD) is expected to become functional by September, marking a significant milestone in the journey to improve access to specialised brain and spine treatment. Once fully operational, the centre will join the ranks of premier institutions like NIMHANS Bengaluru and AIIMS Delhi's Cardiothoracic and Neurosciences Centre. However, PGI's facility stands out for its integrated model, combining neurology and neurosurgery services under one roof. "This will be the largest such centre in India where both specialities are housed in a single building," said a PGI official. "Beds will be consolidated, not scattered across departments, ensuring seamless care for patients. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Access all TV channels anywhere, anytime Techno Mag Learn More Undo " The project has faced several hurdles over the years. Construction was halted during the Covid pandemic in March, 2020 and resumed with limited labour by June. More recently, delays were caused by the renewal of pollution control clearance from the state pollution control board and the calculation of property tax arrears owed by PGI. Despite these challenges, the administration remains optimistic about the centre's phased rollout. The facility will feature 300 general ward beds, 10 modular operating theatres, dedicated ICUs, 10 High Dependency Unit (HDU) beds, and 30 private ward beds. It will offer advanced sub-specialities such as cerebrovascular surgery, skull base surgery, and spinal functional neurosurgery. A key highlight is the Brain Suite, a specialised operating room designed for complex neurosurgical procedures. While some equipment requests—like a 3T MRI, Bi-plane DSA, and dual-energy CT scan—were scaled down due to budget constraints, PGI faculty believe the centre will still significantly enhance diagnostic and treatment capabilities. "Patients come from all corners of India because of the expertise and affordability PGI offers," said a senior faculty member. The Advanced Neuroscience Centre is expected to serve as a national hub for neurological care, addressing a long-standing gap in specialised treatment. With its integrated approach and cutting-edge infrastructure, the centre is poised to offer a lifeline to thousands of patients who currently struggle to access timely and affordable brain and spine care. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
