Assam Health Minister urges doctors to prescribe medicines avaialble at Govt Hospitals
Guwahati: Assam Health Minister Ashok Singhal urged doctors to prescribe only generic medicines listed in the Essential Drug List (EDL) for government health centres and hospitals. During his visit to the Barak Valley districts on Thursday, Singhal interacted with patients who raised concerns about not receiving the prescribed medicines at hospital pharmacies.
To address this issue, the minister announced the launch of a helpline by February 15, allowing patients to report the unavailability of medicines via WhatsApp by sharing their prescriptions. During his inspection, Singhal discovered a misleading prescription that forced a patient to seek medication outside, despite its availability within the hospital, reports the Times of India. The minister stated that while prescribing medicines doctors should prioritize the medicines that are available in government hospitals.
“I request doctors with folded hands that they should prioritize the patient's needs. Govt is providing and maintaining all essential drugs. If a patient has to venture outside the hospital in search of essential drugs, it is unacceptable," Singhal said in Sribhumi. "Beyond essential drugs, if any doctor is found prescribing other medicines, that doctor shall face the consequences," Singhal added.
The Minister further added that the health and well-being of the citizens should remain the top priority, and any negligence—intentional or otherwise—will not be tolerated. During his visit to Sribhumi Civil Hospital, he also interacted with patients and their families to ensure they received the necessary medications and treatment. The minister informed that the Health Department issued strict directives to hospital authorities to uphold the highest standards of care.
“During my recent visits to Civil hospitals across Assam, I observed that numerous patients complained about the non-availability of medicines from hospital pharmacies. To address this, I requested all government doctors to prescribe only generic medicines in Essential Drug List (EDL) notified for government health centres and Hospitals to ensure an uninterrupted supply of medicines, so that no patient faces non-availability,” the minister tweeted. A list of available medicines will be displayed at all hospitals. Patients facing issues can reach out by sending a prescription copy on WhatsApp number: 9864541430.
Acknowledging the shortage of doctors in Assam, Singhal emphasized that the establishment of new medical colleges would help meet the growing demand for medical professionals. During his visit to Sribhumi Civil Hospital, he assessed healthcare services, engaged with patients, and held discussions with hospital staff to improve medical care and operational efficiency, reports the Daily.
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