Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 18: For the last two weeks, the patients at the District Hospital Handwara are facing difficulties due to a shortage of essential medicines at the Jan Aushadhi Kendra operating within the hospital.
According to locals, the pharmacy has been running short on key medications for the past several weeks-an issue they say has disrupted access to affordable healthcare, particularly for those from economically weaker backgrounds.
Dr Aijaz Ahmad, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, acknowledged the problem and attributed it to both staffing shortages and administrative issues.
He noted that efforts are underway to resolve the issue and ensure round-the-clock availability of medicines to people.
“The issue has been there for the last 10-15 days. The store has been operational for three years, and around 80 percent of prescriptions are filled there,” Dr Aijaz said.
Detailing the situation further, he added: “We were allotted two pharmacists, but one is not reporting to duty. The remaining pharmacist is handling the work alone and is demanding double the usual share of 7.5 percent on sales, as per guidelines, citing the workload.”
He further stated that delays in clearing previous billing records have also affected the medicine supply chain, which he assured will be restored soon.
“We are in the process of floating a fresh advertisement and recruiting another pharmacist. Once these issues are sorted, the store will function round the clock,” he added.
Meanwhile, locals have expressed frustration over the situation, stating that although the government had set up the facility for their benefit, poor management is creating difficulties.
“This store used to benefit the people, especially the poor,” said Ghulam Mohiudin, a resident.
“When I asked about the unavailability of medicines, they said the supply is not coming through and officers are blaming each other. You used to get discounted medicines here-it really helped the community.”
Residents say the ongoing crisis is causing serious inconvenience, as the Jan Aushadhi Kendra had long served as a reliable source of low-cost medicines.
Many have urged authorities to act swiftly and restore regular supply.
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