Not enough generic drugs at AIIMS stores

New Delhi: Tall claims of free generic medicine being distributed at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have fallen flat, as numerous patients coming to the AIIMS generic medicine store are returning without getting the prescribed medicines.

Resident doctors at AIIMS claim that some of the most commonly prescribed 53 drugs are not available at the store. They also alleged that no efforts were made to procure these medicines, despite reminders.

In fact, the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) had recently held a meeting with the in-charge of the store over this issue.

A list of available generic medicines has now been prepared, which will be circulated in each department, the doctors said, adding that each department needed to update its list accordingly.

"We realised that only 1/6th of the patients were using the service that allows access to free generic medicines. We have to make efforts to promote generic medicines," said former RDA president Dr Vijay Gurjar.

Earlier too, RDA had recommended opening of more outlets inside AIIMS to ensure easier access for patients, who may otherwise not be able to avail the service due to overcrowding at the only outlet.

"Most importantly, the quality of these medicines should be ensured, so that we can prescribe the medicine without fear. Please, look into this matter urgently, so that we (doctors) can deliver the benefits of government schemes to the very last patient," the RDA said.

The doctors further alleged that about 50 per cent of the drugs are of no use for patients, as those have older salts which can cause complications.

"We are requesting the administration to update the list accordingly. The number of diabetic and asthamatic patients is rising rapidly across the national Capital, but essential medicines are not available in AIIMS generic store. However, these basic medicines are available at Delhi government hospitals. Insulin and asthmatic inhalers are the basic requirements of these patient suffering from this disorder but are not being provided in the stores," Dr Gurjar added.