Bandipora, Apr 16: The Shortage of Paracetamol infusion at District Hospital Bandipora has placed a financial burden on underprivileged patients, who are now compelled to seek expensive medications from private pharmacies.
As per the details available with Rising Kashmir, it is happening at a time when there is an increase in people seeking medical attention for viral fever, with numerous patients approaching the outpatient department of the Bandipora district hospital exhibiting fever and flu-like symptoms.
The shortage appears to be critical, particularly for economically disadvantage patients who rely heavily on public healthcare institutions and are bearing the brunt of this shortage.
As this correspondent personally visited the hospital, the pharmacy inside the district hospital was recommending patients or their caretakers to procure medications from private vendors outside the hospital.
A patient attendant, who preferred anonymity, told Rising Kashmir that her kin was diagnosed with a high fever by a doctor and was advised to receive paracetamol infusion. However, the drug was not dispensed at the pharmacy within the hospital premises.
She mentioned that she purchased it for Rs 408 from a chemist shop outside, despite being financially challenged and unable to afford even a single medicine at such a high cost.
Another patient voiced a similar opinion, lamenting the necessity of purchasing certain medications from private chemist shops, thereby depleting the financial resources of the less fortunate like himself, who rely on government healthcare services for affordable treatment.
“If I had to arrange the medicines from private chemist shops, then why does the government proclaim that medical care at govt hospitals is without charge?”, he questioned with a disgusted tone.
Meanwhile Medical Superintendent Bandipora, Dr Sheikh Mushtaq told Rising Kashmir that District Hospital Bandipora has stock of PCM infusion, but it is being administered exclusively to patients who fall under the below poverty line category and those having dire need.
