Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi
Mangaluru, Jun 28: Several ESI (Employees’ State Insurance) hospitals and dispensaries across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts are reportedly facing a shortage of essential medicines, causing hardship for patients, especially those from the labour class who depend heavily on these government facilities.
Over the past few weeks, commonly used medicines for chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease have been unavailable at many ESI dispensaries, forcing patients to purchase them from private pharmacies at high costs.
Mangaluru’s main ESI hospital is located near Shivbagh, with dispensaries in Puttur, Kulai, Panambur, Kadri, Bejai, Morgan’s Gate, Manipal, Karkala, and Kundapur. Patients are examined by doctors at these centres and are expected to collect medicines on-site. However, they are often being told, “stock unavailable,” particularly for critical medications.
An official at the Mangaluru ESI Hospital, has confirmed the shortage.
In Sullia, the situation is even more alarming. The ESI dispensary there has not received a supply of basic medicines for the past two and a half months. While the centre previously received nearly 3,000 varieties of medicines annually, supply has been stalled despite repeated requisitions.
As the monsoon sets in, cases of fever, cold, body ache, and other seasonal illnesses are rising. However, the Sullia centre lacks even basic syrups and general-use tablets, causing concern among patients. Officials from the dispensary have submitted requests for over 103 types of essential medicines, but deliveries have not yet been made.
Reacting to the reports, Karnataka labour minister Santosh Lad said, “We have not received official information about medicine shortages in ESI hospitals. We will gather details from labour department officials and take appropriate action if a shortage exists.”
Meanwhile, Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta has assured that he will discuss the issue with concerned authorities and direct them to resolve the crisis promptly.