Serious Irregularities in Drug Distribution at Damoh District Hospital, Two Employees Suspended

Irregularities Found in Drug Storage and Distribution

During an inspection of the drug storage and distribution system in the Damoh District Hospital's storeroom, Collector Pratap Narayan Yadav discovered serious irregularities. As a result, two employees have been suspended with immediate effect.

Furthermore, instructions have been issued to deduct three days' salary from 21 other employees. The Collector expressed deep displeasure over the negligence in drug distribution and the discrepancies found in stock management.

Ensuring Timely Access to Medications

Collector Shri Yadav stated that ensuring the timely benefit of government-provided medicines reaches the general public and needy patients is the administration's top priority. He emphasized that no patient should be forced to purchase essential medicines from the market.

“The benefit of medicines provided by the government for patients must reach the general public and needy patients on time. No patient should be forced to go to the market for essential medicines,” said Collector Yadav.

Critical Lapses in Indent Processing

The inspection revealed that 16 drug purchase proposals (indents) received from various government hospitals in the year 2025 had not yet been processed. Additionally, 39 indents from January 2026 to the present were also found to be pending.

The Collector expressed concern over this significant oversight, noting that sufficient medicines are available in the hospitals. For medicines that are out of stock, demand letters have been sent to the relevant agencies, and they will be distributed to hospitals as soon as they are received.

Urgent Directives for Improvement

To ensure the availability of medicines and streamline the distribution process, Collector Yadav has directed that the system for issuing indents be ensured within 24 hours. He also clarified that no patient should face inconvenience due to a shortage of medicines.

These directives will apply to the district hospital as well as other government health institutions, ensuring a uniform and transparent distribution of medicines.