Severe Medicine Shortage Affects Wellness Centres in Nalgonda and Khammam

Nalgonda, Telangana - A critical shortage of essential medications, including life-saving drugs, has emerged at Wellness Centres in Nalgonda and Khammam districts, severely impacting employees, pensioners, and their dependents. The ongoing scarcity is forcing many to purchase prescribed medications from private pharmacies, significantly increasing their financial burden.

Reports indicate that pharmacy shelves at the Nalgonda Wellness Centre, situated within the Government General Hospital, are alarmingly depleted, with most prescribed medicines unavailable. More than 30,000 individuals, including employees, retired personnel, and their families, are registered with this facility. On average, the centre serves between 100 to 150 patients daily, many of whom are elderly and suffering from chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

The shortage of vital insulins, specifically Novorapid and Lantus, has particularly affected Type-II diabetic patients. Many patients are now compelled to spend between ₹800 and ₹900 for a single insulin pen, leading to monthly expenses ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 to manage their conditions. Similarly, the Khammam Wellness Centre is experiencing a dire situation, with only about 170 out of 400 listed medicines currently available. Basic medications for diabetes and hypertension are also out of stock there, with an average of 150 to 200 patients visiting the centre each day.

Md Jilani, a retired employee, expressed frustration over the lack of insulin at the Nalgonda centre, stating, "I have no option but to buy insulin from private pharmacies, spending ₹3,500 from my ₹20,000 monthly pension." A doctor at the Nalgonda Wellness Centre, who preferred to remain anonymous, mentioned, "We prescribe medications based on the patient’s condition, but even alternative medicines are not available in the pharmacy."

When approached for comment, officials overseeing the Wellness Centres acknowledged that they submit weekly requisitions for medicines to higher authorities; however, the supply received consistently falls short of meeting the pressing demand. According to Dr. Arun Kumar, Director of Health Services for Telangana, "The current supply chain issues stem from both increased demand and distribution challenges. We are working with state authorities to address these shortages effectively."

The implications of this crisis extend beyond individual hardships. The financial strain on retirees, particularly those reliant on fixed incomes, raises concerns about their health outcomes and overall well-being. Moreover, the inability to access necessary medications could lead to deteriorating health conditions, potentially resulting in greater healthcare costs in the long run.

In a broader context, this situation reflects systemic issues within public health infrastructure in India, where access to essential medications is critical for maintaining public health standards. According to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Public Health, approximately 40% of patients in rural areas of India face similar challenges concerning medication access.

As the state grapples with this crisis, health officials are urged to prioritize the replenishment of stock at these wellness centres and to explore sustainable solutions to ensure that essential medications are consistently available to those in need. The focus must remain on safeguarding the health of vulnerable populations and addressing the systemic inefficiencies that contribute to such shortages.