Mail News Service
Jamshedpur: Patients at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Medical College and Hospital, the largest government hospital in Kolhan, are facing severe difficulties due to an acute shortage of medicines and essential medical supplies. The crisis has halted crucial tests and forced patients to purchase items like cotton and surgical thread (chromic catgut-1) from outside.
The situation is particularly dire in the pathology department, where a lack of essential chemicals has left over a dozen critical patients untreated. Several vital tests, including cardiac, liver function, lipid profile, hormone and sexually transmitted disease screenings, have been suspended. Routine urine tests are also unavailable, leaving 60-70 patients returning home daily without treatment.
The crisis deepened after the hospital’s recent cancellation of a tender for over 700 medicines, following directives from the Director General of Health Services to procure medicines via the e-medicine (DVDMS) portal. “After receiving orders, we have sent a list of required medicines to the department. We expect availability soon and are exploring alternative arrangements,” stated Dr. Shikha Rani, Superintendent, MGM.
Hospital staff warn that with only a week’s supply of medicines left, the situation could worsen if immediate action is not taken. Meanwhile, testing kits and chemicals are running out in the pathology center, potentially halting more than half of the tests.
Concerns are growing over the hospital’s ability to manage the crisis, with calls for urgent intervention to prevent further disruption in patient care.
