Ex-State Minister for PMO V. Narayanasamy has accused corruption activities in the procurement system of emergency medicine and drugs by the government of Puducherry for disbursement to state-owned hospitals and primary health centres in the Union Territory. According to him, there were complaints of malpractices and kickbacks made in return of purchase of Rs. 6 crore worth of expired drugs. He said pharmaceutical firms were refusing to supply the drugs as the government had failed to clear Rs. 60 crore bills.
He added that he and senior functionaries of the Congress had toured primary health centres in Ariyankuppam and Thirukanur blocks to investigate the situation where patients complained of acute medicinal shortage. The health-care facilities were also facing a shortage of full fledged doctors and infrastructure. Emergency and life saving medicines like anti-rabies vaccine and anti-snake venom are in short supply.
He said this has forced patients to purchase drugs from private pharmacies at an huge cost. The Central government was also not providing adequate funds for Puducherry and patients going to state-owned hospitals were now being referred to empanelled private hospitals in nearby states. He urged the government of Puducherry to immediately overhaul health delivery system in the UT failing which the Congress would launch mass protest.
He added that he and senior functionaries of the Congress had toured primary health centres in Ariyankuppam and Thirukanur blocks to investigate the situation where patients complained of acute medicinal shortage. The health-care facilities were also facing a shortage of full fledged doctors and infrastructure. Emergency and life saving medicines like anti-rabies vaccine and anti-snake venom are in short supply.
He said this has forced patients to purchase drugs from private pharmacies at an huge cost. The Central government was also not providing adequate funds for Puducherry and patients going to state-owned hospitals were now being referred to empanelled private hospitals in nearby states. He urged the government of Puducherry to immediately overhaul health delivery system in the UT failing which the Congress would launch mass protest.