Finally, stock of drugs for NHM-run dispensaries

Ludhiana, March 2

Ayurveda dispensaries in the state running under National Health Mission have finally got the stock of medicines after the Punjab Ayurveda Department took a U-turn and asked state government run dispensaries to return back 25-50 per cent of the medicine stock received.

60% funds from union govt

There are 726 Ayurvedic dispensaries in Punjab out of which 536 are under the state government while 190 are functioning under National Ayush Mission and 60 per cent of the funds are contributed by the Central Government for their operations

The returned stock by these dispensaries are to be distributed among the NHM-run Ayurvedic dispensaries to fill the gap. The step was taken after doctors working in NHM-run dispensaries raised the issue with the government as they were left without the medicines. The medicines were procured with NHM funds but they failed to receive the stock.

An Ayurveda Medical Officer working in a dispensary run by NHM said that after much struggle, they have finally received the stock of medicines.

During distribution of medicine in December last year, 190 Ayurvedic dispensaries run by NHM were not given medicines although the medicines were procured under the Union Government sponsored National Ayush Mission (NAM), which is a part of NHM.

Medicines were distributed after a hiatus of four years after the Punjab and Haryana High Court lifted the stay on procurement of medicines in March 2023.

“Over the years, footfall in the dispensaries has decreased to a large extent as medicines were not available with us due to stay by the high court. But during recent distribution, we were again given a miss, which was uncalled for and now finally we have received the medicines and hope to revive our patient count,” said Ayurveda Medical Officer from NHM run dispensary.

In Punjab, there are 726 Ayurvedic dispensaries out of which 536 are under the state government while 190 are functioning under National Ayush Mission and 60 per cent of the funds are contributed by the Central Government for their operations.

Dr Ravi Doomra, Director Ayurveda, Punjab, said that they were trying to streamline the procedure of distribution. “There are many dispensaries which do not have enough staff for their smooth running so they were asked to return some part of their medicine stock and was distributed among the dispensaries that were left,” he said.