12/5/2016
Nitesh Sangral
Early Times Report
jammu, Dec 5: Purchasing anti-venom serum (AVS) has
proven to be a Herculean task for J&K Medical Supplies Corporation Limited
(JKMSCL), as less participation in tender process has resulted in no
procurement of AVS since 2013.
Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) sources
told Early Times that since setting up of JKMSCL, AVS could not be procured.
They said not a single vial has been supplied to government hospitals in the
state, due to which patients, especially from kandi areas, are forced to go to
private clinics or move out of the state for treatment.
"PGI Chandigarh had also taken 150 vials from GMCH
Jammu two years ago as the shortage of serum has been affecting health
institutes across the country. The serum shortage has taken place after the
animal activist and incumbent Union Minister for Women and Child Development,
Maneka Gandhi, had filed a case against torture of horses," sources said.
The AVS is obtained from horses.
Sources said government hospitals in the state are
running from pillar to post to arrange AVS on their own despite the fact that
it's the job of JKMSCL to buy and supply AVS to the hospitals. The life-saving
drug is unavailable in open markets; hence the patients have to face huge
inconvenience as well as losing their hard earned money to buy costly vials
from private clinics.
"Tenders were floated by JKMSCL, but it received
less participation. So we couldn't procure AVS," Managing Director of
JKMSCL Dr Yashpal Sharma said, adding that the Corporation again invited
tenders 15 days ago and the tenders will be opened next week.
Medical Superintendent of GMC&H Jammu Dr Romesh
Gupta said the hospital has "enough stock" of AVS to cater to hush
rush of patients."
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