Karnataka - Mangalore   

Shortage of life-saving drugs in Dakshina Kannada

M. Raghuram

MANGALORE: Drug stores in Dakshina Kannada district are not receiving adequate supplies of medicines, including life-saving drugs.

Owners of drug stores said supplies are limited and fresh stock takes at least a week to arrive. The situation has worsened in the past year, according to them. However, there is no shortage in the Government Wenlock Hospital.

`Incidental expenses'

According to wholesalers, an order to stop collecting money from retailers to meet their "incidental expenses" has affected the viability of their business. Because of this, they are forced to reduce indents to pharmaceutical clearing and forwarding agents in Bangalore, they said.

President of the Karnataka Drugs and Chemists' Association N.G. Mohan said wholesalers were allowed to charge "incidental expenses" on indents raised by retailers to help them meet the expenditure involved in the delivery of drugs. This was normal practice for 50 years. Wholesalers have to stock huge quantities of drugs, and clearing and forwarding agents do not allow them credit. However, they have to wait for 30 to 45 days for payments from retailers, Mr. Mohan said.

In government hospitals

District Medical Officer Bharati Nirmal told The Hindu that there is no shortage of medicines in government hospitals in the district. The government warehouse in Bangalore and the logistics department in Mangalore meet their requirement.

Owners of drug stores said several medicines, including antihistamines, malaria-control drugs and those for diabetics, are in short supply. It is also difficult to procure vitamin supplements and drugs for paediatric and neonatal care, they added.

Pharmacies in hospitals in Mangalore receive enquiries from the public about the availability of drugs. In view of their limited stocks, pharmacies retain drugs for their own use, restricting sale.

Order on sales tax

Orders have been issued to wholesalers asking them to remit large sums as sales tax — Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 35 lakhs in some cases. The tax department can collect tax for eight years, retrospectively, Mr. Mohan said.

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