Mumbai: Shortage of medicines in the civic-run hospitals is still in the news as the BMC’s Standing Committee on Friday after a long debate rejected its proposal put forth by its administration for buying medicines for its hospitals. If the issue is not sorted out, then patients will have to suffer for the delay as they won’t be able to get medicines at the BMC run hospitals due to shortage.
Shiv Sena corporator Sanjay Agadi strongly opposed the proposal of buying medicines. Significantly, there was a proposal to purchase the surgical and other materials related to medical use, which is essential for the treatment of patients in the BMC hospitals in the city.
These stocks was to be used till 2021. An estimated cost of Rs 22 crore was to be incurred in the proposal. Earlier, the BMC had decided to purchase medicines for Rs 59 lakhs from the Mayor’s funds to avail urgently required medicines. Whereas, rest of the medicines were decided to be purchased by floating tenders.
Shiv Sena corporator Sanjay Ghari opposed the proposal to procure medicine worth Rs 21.44 crore saying that when medicines are being purchased by Mayor’s funds, then why should there be a proposal for medicines be brought in the Standing Committee Meeting. “What is need for this proposal, when there is already a provision for buying the medicines by tender process.
With the help of 15 contractors, BMC had made preparations to provide medicines various hospitals, maternity homes,” Ghari questioned. After a long debate, the proposal was rejected in the Standing Committee meeting. Now the issue will be brought back to the civic general body meeting only after three months. Until then patients will have to face the brunt. – Staff Reporter
