Nagpur: The Maharashtra Government on Tuesday declared that there is no shortage of life-saving drugs and anti-biotic medicines in State. However, the Government accepted the fact that some medicines of Dengue, Malaria and other contagious diseases are being sold well and above the Minimum Retail Price (MRP). This was stated in the Legislative Assembly by the Minister for Public Health and Family Welfare Dr Deepak Sawant while replying to a question over availability of life-saving drugs and anti-biotics.
Dr Deepak Sawant
The Minister said that due to spread of Dengue, Malaria and other infectious diseases the patients are not facing shortage of life-saving medicines but are being fleeced by dealers by selling the drugs at higher prices. In November 2014, a Mumbai company was found selling the drugs well and above MRP. The Government Hospitals have been permitted to purchase drugs directly from manufacturers. Those found selling the life-saving drugs at higher prices other than the MRP have been dealt with sternly. Investigations have been completed and the matter is pending in courts.
NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal said that the AIDS-affected patients are facing shortage of medicines at all ART Centres of Nagpur. Replying to Bhujbal’s question the Minister said that in the State a total of 9557 children have been found suffering from AIDS of first line stage. Only 17 children are in second line stage and are receiving treatment. In Nagpur, 666 kids are taking the first line stage treatment. Generally, medicines of one month are given. At present adequate stock of the medicines is available. A few days ago the medicines had not arrived from Delhi but the same was purchased from open market and the children were distributed the medicines, said the Minister.
