Shortage of drugs and devices leads to acute crisis

A health emergency has been declared by several health unions and stakeholders in the health sector due to the shortage of a list of over 200 essential drugs and devices which are either out of stock or are close to being out of stock. However the Health Ministry as well as the State Ministry of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals has been silent over the looming crisis which will affect a majority of the citizenry; mainly in rural areas. Already, several hospitals and stakeholders have issued letters to the Medical Supplies Division of the Health Ministry requesting them to release items with immediate effect. While the government is keeping its fingers crossed on the Indian credit line- as 70% of drugs and devices are being imported from India-many health unions and doctors warn that the situation is aggravating by the hour.