Bhubaneswar: The Jan Aushadhi generic drug store on Sachhivalaya Marg, set up by the Red Cross Society March 8, 2010 with a lot of fanfare, was meant to enable people of all classes to get medicines at cheaper rates. However, due to apathy of the organizers coupled with lack of supervision the 24X7 generic store remains “shut” most of the day.
A time-chart issued by the Red Cross authorities (125/RC-15/2017 dated 3-2-17) and notified outside the drug store displays a two-shift working schedule in which the first commences at 10 am and concludes at 1.30pm which is followed by a lunch break of 30 minutes. Accordingly, shift B commences at 2.30pm and shuts down at 6pm.
A copy of the notification signed by Red Cross honorary secretary has also been marked to pharmacist Swatirekha Sahu and concerned dealing assistant.
It was alleged the store operators have little sense of punctuality and accountability as it is found closed when drug buyers have visited the generic store.
Moreover, people in need of essential life-saving drugs like Telmasartan 40/80, Nifedpine 20/40 and common medicines like crocin and Ranitidine-300 are not available at the stores.
When contacted, Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) honorary secretary Gyanabrata Mohanty said staff crunch has affected the work at the outlet.
“One of the employees has left service without giving any notice. Therefore, we have only one person to manage the facility. However, we have decided to appoint a person immediately for which we will advertise in the papers,” Mohanty said.
Although IRCS put the onus on staff crunch for the current situation, the official has rejected the allegation of shortage of essential medicines. “I think we have adequate stock of medicines. But, I will enquire into it,” added Mohanty.
The store on Sachhivalaya Marg is the second generic store in the city after the one on Capital Hospital premises. The store at the hospital has regular working hours. With regard to availability of essential drugs, its operators are little bothered about maintaining a basic stock of medicines to meet needs of the patients, it is alleged.
Meanwhile, top health department officials have washed off their hands saying the issue does not come under their purview. “Jan Aushadhi is not under state health department. So, we cannot take any action on this,” confirmed Health Services director Kailash Chandra Das.
Significantly, as part of the Jan Aushadhi scheme which comes under the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI), the Union Government has set up 44 shops in Orissa. Although, OP tried to contact officials in charge of Orissa Jan Aushadhi, there was no response. Ultimately, what is discernible is the apathy of the bureaucrats that affects the poor people and encourages private drug stores.
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