RUKUM, July 23: Health posts in remote areas of Rukum district are facing severe shortage of life-saving drugs. Health officials informed that lack of transportation during monsoon has led to this dire situation.

“Even the previous stock of medicines has depleted, making the situation more problematic,” said Shishir Khadka, in-charge of Banfikot Health Post. “We lack medicines for even common health problems such as fever, typhoid, and diarrhea. All of our attempts to refill the medicine stocks have been fruitless so far,” he added.

The health institutes are facing shortage at a time when rain-induced diseases like typhoid, fever, and skin diseases are on the rise.

According to Khadka, they have been demanding medicine supplies from the District Health Office (DHO), Rukum. “But the DHO has not been able to provide us with the necessary medicines.”

There are 44 health institutes in the district, including the District Hospital, Rukum. At present, most of these institutes are reeling under severe medicine crunch, according to the DHO. 

Locals complain that their only choice is to visit private clinics and pharmacies, which charge them hefty amount for the same medicines.

“It's really ironic that we find medicines in private pharmacies but not in government health institutes,” said Laxman Pun, a local of Aathbiskot Municipality.

According to health workers, they are prescribing lesser quantity of medicines even to the needy patients so that the few remaining stocks of medicines can be distributed fairly. They also acknowledged that such practice may hamper health of patients instead.

Rajendra JC, chief of the DHO, stressed on the need for better connectivity and said strengthening road network can make medicines available. 
“We have been facing shortage of medicines since the past month. The medicines could not be brought despite our repeated demands,” he added.

 
• shishir khadka in-charge of banfikot health post
 
• rajendra jc chief of the dho