Jan Aushadhi Kendra struggles amid medicine shortage

Patients visiting the Jan Aushadhi Kendra at the Civil Hospital are facing difficulties due to a shortage of essential medicines. Shelves at the centre remain largely empty, with only 25 to 30 types of medicines, bandages and diapers available. Besides, some equipment required by ortho patients are also not available here.

Jan Aushadhi Kendras are supposed to be operational 24x7 for the facilitation of the public but the one located inside the Civil Hospital opens for only 5-6 hours, defeating the very purpose of its existence. With basic medicines also remaining unavailable, it has turned into a mere showpiece.

The absence of basic drugs has left patients in the lurch. During a recent visit, racks at the centre were found empty with even common medicines missing.

Patients arriving with prescriptions expressed frustration, stating that medicines they required were unavailable. Several people said they were unable to obtain antibiotics, which were critical for treatment.

Since there is a pharmacy at the Civil Hospital and many NGOs are also giving free medicines inside the hospital, it seems less attention is being paid towards the kendra.

The shortage has raised concern about the effectiveness of the Jan Aushadhi scheme, which was launched to provide affordable medicines to the public. The patients argue that the lack of stock defeats the very purpose of the initiative, especially for those dependent on government facilities for healthcare.

Hemraj from Shimlapuri said one of the medicines prescribed by the doctor for his mother was generally available at the kendra. “On Wednesday, I came at 5 pm to get the medicine but it was closed. Today, I again came during the day but sadly, it was out of stock,” he said.

Another patient, Shyama, who came to the Gynae OPD, said she got one medicines from the hospital’s pharmacy but one was not available. “I came to JAK but it was not available here also. Now, left with no other option, I will buy it from a chemist outside,” she said.

Though the pharmacy at the Civil Hospital is also there for medicines but sometimes patients from outside also come to buy medicines from here and in case any medicine is not available at the pharmacy, they generally make their way to JAK but sadly they had to return without medicines many times from there also.

Generic medicines are available at the Jan Aushadhi Kendra and the list of medicines available here is also provided to doctors of the hospital so that they can prescribe medicines according to the salt and not brand.

Senior official from the Civil Hospital said there was a pharmacy where medicines were given free of cost and NGOs inside the hospital are also taking care of medicines. Hence, there was no issue for patients in getting medicines. The stock of JAK was updated as per requirement.