Chitrakoot District AYUSH Hospital grapples with shortage of Ayurvedic, Unani medicines
Chitrakoot: The District AYUSH Hospital in Chitrakoot is facing a severe shortage of essential Ayurvedic and Unani medicines, forcing a significant number of patients to purchase their medicines from private pharmacies.
As the primary provider of AYUSH healthcare in the district, the hospital sees an average of 100 to 150 patients every day. These individuals, many of whom travel from remote areas, rely on the facility for affordable treatment. However, the current scarcity has forced them to turn to private pharmacies, where they must pay out of pocket for medications that should ideally be provided for free by the state, according to Amar Ujala.
The hospital’s operational capacity is further strained by staffing shortages; it currently functions with only two doctors, including the superintendent, to manage the high daily patient volume.
According to hospital officials, medicines are procured by submitting a requirements list every six months. Despite a recent delivery of some stock, several vital formulations remain completely unavailable.
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According to news reports, among the missing Ayurvedic treatments are Agnitundi Vati, frequently used for digestive ailments, Sarpagandha Vati, a key medicine for managing high blood pressure, and Dashmoolarishta, which is commonly recommended for postpartum recovery. The Unani section is facing similar challenges, with Sharbat-e-Unnab, a staple for treating colds and coughs, and Rogan Surkh oil for joint pain both being out of stock.
Patients have voiced their frustrations, noting that the shortage undermines the purpose of a government-run Ayush facility. For many, the added cost of private medication is a burden they simply cannot afford.
Responding to the issue, Chief Medical Officer Shri Mahendra Kumar Tripathi stated that while items from the previous financial year’s demand list have been supplied, the procurement of remaining medicines will be addressed in the upcoming budget cycle. Until then, the community remains in a difficult position regarding their healthcare needs.
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