Life-Saving Medicines Unavailable in Keralam's Government Hospitals, Karunya Pharmacies

Thiruvananthapuram: Patients are struggling to obtain even life-saving medicines from government hospitals and Karunya pharmacies across Keralam. Basic medicines, including antibiotics and cough syrups, are reportedly unavailable as the government has not yet completed the purchase of medicines for the current year.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, the government is being accused of showing complete negligence without holding consultations or taking urgent decisions.

There are growing allegations that the government is weakening the public-sector medicine distribution system while enabling private pharmaceutical companies to make profits worth crores of rupees. Despite criticism that the prior decision to close the Quality Control Department responsible for testing the quality of medicines would lead to a major shortage, the Health Department reportedly took no action.

The public healthcare sector, which is expected to provide relief to ordinary people, is being severely weakened due to the anti-people policies and administrative failures of the UDF government. Patients are struggling without even basic medicines, while the Health Department has failed to intervene.

After the UDF came to power, officials holding key positions in the medicine distribution system were transferred, which allegedly disrupted the functioning of the Kerala Medical Services Corporation Limited (KMSCL).

In several districts, there are not enough personnel, including those in managerial positions, to prepare lists of medicines required by hospitals or ascertain stock availability. Vacant posts, along with the abolition of the Quality Control Department, have further worsened the situation.

KMSCL procures medicines for hospitals through national-level e-tenders. The Quality Control Department was responsible for conducting batch testing of medicines supplied by companies before orders were placed. These processes have now been disrupted.