The state of government hospitals in Telangana is deteriorating daily, with a severe shortage of medicines. It is widely reported that the Central Medicine Stores (CMS) are running dry due to the Congress government’s inattention to medicine procurement.
The scarcity of basic medicines for common ailments like cold, cough, and inflammations highlights the dire condition. CMSs, which serve as warehouses for medicines and supply dispensaries within their jurisdictions, are facing alarming shortages. Recent inspections of medicine stocks in Warangal, Karimnagar, Khammam, Nalgonda, Hyderabad, Medak, Mahabubnagar, Rangareddy, Siddipet, Adilabad, and Nizamabad have revealed critical gaps.
For example, CPM (Chlorpheniramine) tablets, commonly used for cold, should be in ample supply, especially during the rainy season. However, reserves are severely depleted. Pantoprazole, used to treat acidity, is only available in Adilabad CMS, with injections nowhere to be found across the state. Antacid and Sucralfate syrups are also missing from all CMSs.
Primary antibiotics like Amoxicillin + Clavam injections, essential during seasonal disease outbreaks, are nearly depleted, with only 800 injections available in Medak CMS and no syrups in stock. Serratiopeptidase, used for pain and swelling, is absent from all CMSs in the state. Immunoglobulin injections, critical for patients with dangerously low antibody levels, number only 88 across three CMSs.
PCM infusions, used for pain relief, are entirely out of stock. Insulin injections are available only in two centers, totaling 208. Ciprofloxacin, used for eye treatments, is completely out of stock, and there are only 11 eye drops and Gentra ear drops in CMSs statewide.
With seasonal diseases surging, the depletion of essential medicines is alarming. Suppliers halted deliveries two to three months ago due to unpaid bills. When questioned, the centers cited a lack of National Health Mission (NHM) funds as the reason for not purchasing medicines. However, the BRS government previously mandated that every dispensary maintain a three-month supply of medicines.
Currently, dispensaries are relying on their existing stocks, which are expected to run out soon. The lack of medicines in both CMSs and dispensaries could plunge public healthcare into crisis.