RAMBAN, November 6 – In response to concerns regarding the alleged prescription of expensive branded medicines in government health facilities, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Ramban district has ordered a comprehensive audit of prescriptions issued across all government health institutions within the district.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the directive follows reports aired on All India Radio Srinagar’s current affairs programme, ‘Shaharbeen,’ which highlighted allegations of doctors in government hospitals recommending costly branded drugs, potentially burdening patients.
Dr. Opinder Singh, the in-charge Chief Medical Officer of Ramban, issued a circular on November 6, mandating the formation of dedicated Prescription Audit Committees in each health institution. These committees are tasked with scrutinizing Outpatient Department (OPD) and Inpatient Department (IPD) prescriptions issued by attending physicians.
The circular explicitly notes that despite the availability of free medicines and generic alternatives within government hospitals, there have been surfacing allegations that some doctors are prescribing expensive branded medicines obtained from outside pharmacies. This practice is alleged to be imposing an unnecessary financial strain on patients, particularly those from economically weaker sections.
The newly formed audit committees will also be responsible for gathering feedback from patients and their attendants. This feedback will aim to ascertain whether patients were advised or felt compelled to purchase medicines or undergo diagnostic tests from specific private establishments, as opposed to utilizing the services and resources available within the public healthcare system.
Furthermore, the CMO has instructed the Medical Superintendent of the District Hospital Ramban and all Block Medical Officers (BMOs) to submit detailed institution-wise audit reports. These reports must include verified documentary evidence, information on the current stock position of medicines, and concrete recommendations for any necessary actions. The deadline for submitting these comprehensive reports is seven days from the date of the circular.
The directive has been formally communicated to the Director Health Services Jammu and the Deputy Commissioner Ramban for their information and necessary oversight. This administrative step is considered a significant response to the public concerns brought to light by the radio programme, initiating an official scrutiny into prescribing practices and their impact on patient finances within the government healthcare sector in Ramban.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
