190 Centre-run AYUSH clinics in Punjab without medicines for 5 years
Manav Mander
Ludhiana, January 25
As many as 190 Centre-run Ayurvedic dispensaries were left out during the distribution of medicines by the state government in December.
The medicines were distributed following a gap of four years after the Punjab and Haryana High Court lifted the stay on procurement of medicines in March 2023. However, the wait for medicines at the dispensaries under the National Health Mission (NHM) is only getting longer.
Although medicines were procured under the Centrally sponsored National Ayush Mission (NAM), which is a part of the NHM, the units under the NHM were left out. Now, these dispensaries have been without medicines for the past five years.
There are 726 Ayurvedic dispensaries in the state, of which 536 are under the state government and remaining 190 are working under the national AYUSH Mission. Around 60 per cent of the funds are contributed by the Centre for their operations.
The medicines have been procured with the Centre’s funds but Central dispensaries have been excluded.
“While the state government-run dispensaries have their kitty full, we are struggling and are unable to give medicines to our patients. The government has not given medicines to the NHM-run units. It is becoming very difficult to run the dispensaries amid the non-availability of medicines. The footfall of patients has become negligible,” an Ayurveda Medical Officer from the state said.
Another officer said: “The government is focusing only on Aam Aadmi Clinics but nobody is caring about the Centrally-run units. These units have been given a step-motherly treatment by the state government in medicine distribution.”
Dr Ravi Doomra, Director, Ayurveda, Punjab, said the medicines were distributed as per the action plan. More medicines would be procured from the Government Central Ayurvedic Pharmacy and stores in Patiala and would be distributed at all units.
“These units have not been excluded intentionally. We are trying to streamline the process and the medicines will be provided soon,” he said. Health Minister Balbir Singh could not be contacted for a comment.
