Mohali: In a startling revelation during a surprise inspection, civil surgeon Dr Sangeeta Jain found that doctors at the Dera Bassi Civil Hospital were not prescribing generic medicines and were directing patients to private chemist shops instead of providing free government-supplied medication.Dr Jain, who conducted checks at both the civil hospital and nearby chemist shops, was deeply concerned on learning that patients were unaware of their right to receive free medicines under government schemes. “During my surprise visit, I interacted with several patients who were seen buying medicines from private chemist shops. On examining their prescriptions, it became evident that doctors had not prescribed generic medicines,” she said.Taking serious note of the matter, the civil surgeon summoned the hospital’s senior medical officer (SMO) for an explanation. “We have called the SMO to record his statement on why patients were not given free medicines. Any doctor who asks a patient to buy medicines from outside, despite availability under government supply, is committing a serious offence,” she said.Dr Jain added that the Punjab government provides 336 types of medicines free of cost through civil hospitals. Additionally, funds are allocated to SMOs to cover the cost of any medicines not available under the standard list. “Despite this, the protocol is not being followed at Derabassi Hospital,” she pointed out.The civil surgeon has warned of strict action against dereliction of duty and said that failure to provide entitled services to patients will not be tolerated. A detailed inquiry is expected to follow. MSID:: 122936853 413 |
