JK: No shortage of medicines in Valley

Srinagar, Aug 23: There is no shortage of drugs and medicines in the private and Government health institutions of the Valley, a spokesman for the Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department said here today.

The availability of drugs and medicines was again reviewed this morning by the Commissioner and Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department.

He said a team of officers headed by Deputy Controller, Drug and Food Control Organisation conducted a survey of the availability of drugs and medicines with the chemists and druggists and found that sufficient stocks of medicines were available with them.

Besides, supplies were also being received by road and by air.

During the last week 15 trucks carrying medicines of various pharmaceutical companies have arrived in Srinagar, with more trucks coming. Besides, consignments of various drugs are also being received by air.

The Principal, Government Medical College, Srinagar who supervises the associated hospitals in Srinagar city, has reported that there is no shortage of essential drugs in any of the hospitals of Srinagar.

The stock of life saving drugs is likely to suffice for four to six weeks. Additional supplies are also being received by road and by air, the spokesman added.

He said in cases where a specific item is required under some compelling circumstances the same is immediately procured from the local market, where is available. Availability of anesthesia drugs has also been reviewed and found to be sufficient for two to four weeks, he added.

The Director, Health Services, Kashmir has already issued annual supplies to the health institutions under his control in the month of May and June. Besides, this, reserves are also available in the provincial stores at Srinagar for distribution to the health institutions as and when needed.

The Health and Medical Education Department has also earmarked helpline telephone numbers for people to contact in case of any difficulties regarding availability of doctors, other medical staff, ambulances and medicines.

UNI