K'taka govt writes to Union Health Minister urging urgent supply of anti-TB drugs to State
Bengaluru, Mar 27: Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has written to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya seeking urgent supply of anti-TB drugs to the state.
In a letter to Mandaviya, he said there has been frequent interruption in the supply of anti-TB drugs to the state since 2021, and two recent communications from the Government of India require the state to procure DSTB (Drug-Sensitive Tuberculosis) patient drugs for the next three months.
The second communication came after the model code of conduct (MCC) had come into effect, it said.
Stressing that the state notifies more than 80,000 patients annually -- around 6,800 TB patients on a monthly basis, Rao said they have to be provided continuous treatment.
In view of this, the state has intensified its efforts to procure Anti-TB drugs both at the state level and district level. A letter from the Mission Director (National Health Mission) had also been sent to the Joint Secretary (Reproductive and Child Health) regarding permission for utilising the approved ROP (Record of Proceedings) of 2024-25 to procure these medications. In public interest, the department has requested the Finance department of the state to provide additional funds for procuring the drugs, the letter stated.
"However, it has been learnt that neither these medications are available in the quantities required by the state nor the procurement process can be hastened in view of both its manufacturing process as well as the prevailing MCC," the Minister said.
Rao further stated that he did not wish to accuse the Union Government of callousness. He, however, pointed out that state support for the TB patients has been jeopardised by this action of the Union Government.
"Both the delayed communication to procure a critical drug (whose procurement is problematic in the short run) and also issuing the communication during model code of conduct have adversely affected the efforts of the state government in this regard," he said in the letter dated March 26.
"Under the circumstances, the Union Government has an obligation to respond immediately and support the state government to keep up the supply of critical drugs of the TB patients at a required level," the Minister added.
He urged the Union Health Minister to instruct the officials concerned to supply the first-line Anti-TB drugs on an urgent basis to the state.
"We hope the Union Government recognises the adverse effects of its decision and adopts a course correction immediately, to avoid thousands of TB patients throughout the state of Karnataka being put to uncalled hardship and leading to higher pain and death in such patients," the letter added.
It is deeply concerning that the Union Government's frequent interruptions in the supply of Anti-TB drugs are jeopardizing the health and well-being of over 80,000 TB patients annually in Karnataka. Despite our relentless efforts to ensure continuous treatment, the recent… pic.twitter.com/u3tHFWHi3r
— Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) March 27, 2024
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Puducherry (PTI): Puducherry experienced heavy rains on Saturday morning prompting the union territory administration to send SMS alerts to around 12 lakh residents cautioning them to remain vigilant as cyclonic storm Fengal is expected to make landfall near here later in the day.
District Collector A Kulothungan told PTI that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure that people remained safe.
"We have evacuated people from low lying areas and shelter homes are ready to accommodate them. Arrangements were also made to supply food packets," he said adding that National Disaster Relief Force from Arakonam has arrived to engage in relief and rehabilitation works.
According to the official, cyclone Fengal was expected to cross the coast in the evening. Control rooms have been opened in the collectorate and also in the line departments.
Toll free numbers 112, 1077 and also WhatsApp number 94889 81070 have been put in place to help people facing crisis to contact for help.
Cyclone Fengal is likely to cross between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram coasts close to Puducherry, official sources said. The government has advised people to stay indoors.
The entire stretch of beach road and also several tourist spots were closed to ensure that there was no movement of the people near the sea shore.
Schools and colleges remained closed today.
