City's first generic drug store hit by procedural delays

Thanks to procedural delays, the City’s first generic drug store, to be set up by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, is yet to be inaugurated.

Sources at the KC General Hospital, where the store will be set up, attribute to the non-availability of drugs and lag in procurement. The officials, on the other hand maintain that it is the usual procedural delay. The Janasanjivini drug store was to be inaugurated in July.

Even as the infrastructure and logistics are in place, other requirements, including manpower and availability of drugs, remain incomplete, delaying the opening.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Dr G Vamadev, Director, Department of Health and Family Welfare, said it was the drug licensing, electricity and water connections, and managing human resource that took time. “The entire work has been outsourced to Hindustan Lifecare Limited (HLL). It is expected to be ready by the end of November,” he added.

Three such drugs stores were also due at Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, Victoria Hospital, and Jayanagar General Hospital. These too are expected to be functional by the end of November, he said.

In all, 361 drugs will be made available in these outlets. It is intented to help cut down medical expenses of those who are on long-term medication. “Anti-diabetics, anti-hypertensives and anti-asthmatics which are to be taken on a daily basis are on the priority list,” said Dr Vamadev.

While the in-patients who fall in the below poverty line category can avail the medicines free of cost, outsiders have to pay for the drugs. It is likely to cost the patients less than 50 per cent of the actual cost.

Even as there are several generic drug stores, combination drugs (a drug having two or more pharmaceutical elements) were not made available.

These stores will also sell such combination drugs. A software by the Karnataka State Drugs and Logistics Society will enable the chemist to look for the generic name of a branded drug when prescribed by the doctor.