Bhopal: Government doctors in Madhya Pradesh organized protests across various hospitals and medical institutions, symbolically burning effigies of substandard medicines. The protest was held at Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal, highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding the quality of medications being supplied to government healthcare facilities.
Dr. Rakesh Malviya, convener of the Medical Federation, emphasized that substandard medicines often contain lower potency than required, which can lead to ineffective treatment for patients. For instance, a paracetamol tablet intended to contain 500 mg might only have 300 mg, rendering it ineffective.
The issue of substandard medicines is not new. Dr. Malviya pointed out that in September and October of the previous year, numerous life-saving drugs and multivitamins were identified as substandard in government hospitals, affecting countless patients. Despite raising the alarm, the response from authorities was limited to blacklisting a few products rather than pursuing criminal action against those responsible.
Malviya questioned how such medications infiltrated the government supply chain and why no significant measures were taken against those accountable.
The protests are not solely about the quality of medicines; doctors are also advocating for long-standing demands, including the establishment of a high-level committee, the implementation of the DACP (Doctor’s Allowance and Compensation Package) approved by the Cabinet, and the adoption of the seventh pay scale.
Dr. Malviya reiterated that this movement is not about new requests but the enforcement of previously accepted decisions. He urged the government to act swiftly on these matters, stating that their goal is justice, not mere protest. The demonstrations span across 52 district hospitals, community health centers, and medical colleges in the state, reflecting a unified call for change within the healthcare system.
