A shocking discovery of government-supplied medicines, including vital supplies, discarded with garbage near a community health centre in Bihar's Madhepura district has triggered public fury and official panic. The incident, which came to light on Sunday, has raised serious questions about medicine management and alleged malpractice at the Ghailardh Community Health Centre (CHC).
Medicines Found Amid Construction Waste
According to local residents, a heap of medical supplies was found carelessly thrown away in a corner of a room within an under-construction building adjacent to the Ghailardh CHC. The discarded items included essential drugs like cough syrup and Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets, meant for patients at the government facility. A vigilant local captured photographs of the scene, which rapidly went viral on social media platforms, amplifying public concern and demands for accountability.
Officials React, Promise Probe and Action
The viral images prompted an immediate on-site inspection by District Health Manager Sanjiv Kumar Verma. After verifying the situation, Verma confirmed there had been a serious dereliction of duty by staff members. He assured that strict action would be taken against those found responsible following a proper investigation. However, he also hinted at the possibility of miscreants being involved in an attempt to tarnish the health department's image, stating the real facts would emerge from the probe.
Taking serious note of the incident, Madhepura Civil Surgeon Incharge Sachin Kumar emphasized the need for a thorough investigation. He stressed that such irregularities would not be tolerated and that strict action was imperative.
Locals Allege Deliberate Shortage Creation
The discovery has fueled long-standing grievances among the local population. Residents alleged that patients visiting the CHC are frequently denied medicines that are supposed to be available for free. Instead, they are often directed to purchase the same drugs from private medical stores. Many believe the dumping of hospital medicines was a deliberate act by staff to create an artificial shortage, possibly to benefit private pharmacies.
This incident in Madhepura has exposed a critical flaw in the supply chain and management of essential medicines at the grassroots level of public healthcare. It underscores the urgent need for stricter supervision and transparent systems to ensure that government-provided medical aid reaches the intended beneficiaries—the patients.
