Supply of 'non-standard' drugs in Delhi govt hospitals: Saurabh Bharadwaj writes to health secy, urges to make arrangements
Dec 24, 2023
New Delhi [India], December 24 : Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Sunday wrote to the health secretary over the supply of 'not of standard quality' drugs in the national capital, urging the latter to procure alternative arrangements.
"It has been brought to my notice that the Vigilance Department, GNCTD, has directed the secretary (health) to immediately remove the five drugs which were 'not of standard quality', from the stock where they have been supplied," read the letter.
"It was observed that in the recent past, certain essential consumables like absorbant cotton wool and rolled bandages were found 'not of standard quality' and were removed from the stock where they were supplied. The hospital authorities then did not make any alternative arrangement for the same and consequently, patients were inconvenienced since they were required to buy these consumables out of their own pocket," it added.
The letter further read, "Since the aforementioned five drugs which are to be removed from the stock, are also essential in nature and required for treatment of the hypertensive disorder, seizure disorder, gastritis infections and respiratory diseases, hence, alternative arrangements should immediately be in place to make them available so that the general public is not inconvenienced and the treatment of patients is continued uninterrupted."
"You are directed to inform me regarding the alternative arrangements made by DGHS and the hospitals for making available the five medicines, amlodipine, levetiracetem, pantoprazole, cephalexin and dexamethasone, of standard quality and their fresh stock position in the healthcare facilities, latest within a week," it added.
Earlier today, the Delhi Special Vigilance Department wrote on Sunday to the health secretary over the "Not of Standard Quality" drugs being supplied in Delhi government hospitals and urged to clarify as to how much payment is made till now to companies and manufacturers.
"You are requested to ensure that all such drugs which have failed the prescribed norms should be immediately qualified and seized as per the due process of law on a war footing," read the letter."Secondly, you are requested to ensure the followings; 1. That no further payment is made to such companies. 2. That all the failed drugs may be immediately identified and should be removed from the stock of all the hospitals where such drugs have been supplied so as to ensure that the general public are not administered with such 'Not of Standard Quality Drugs' 3. May also clarify since when these drugs are being procured and supplied," it added.
The letter further read, "It is also requested to clarify as to how much payment is made till now to these companies and manufacturers and how much payment payment is pending. Besides this, you are requested to take possession of all the documents related to the procurement of drugs inter-alia including tender documents and files relating to the same immediately and provide the original copy of the same to the directorate of vigilance."
"You are also requested to provide terms and conditions of the appointment of dealers/distributers for the execution of supply in respect of above-failed drugs. Action taken report may kindly be submitted in next 48 hour," it added.
