Directive to Reduce Patient Expenses
Amritsar – In a move to make healthcare more affordable, the Punjab Health Department has ordered all doctors at the Civil Hospital to prescribe only those medicines available in the hospital’s pharmacy. They have been warned not to direct patients to purchase medicines from private pharmacies.
Strict Action for Non-Compliance
Officials stated that if the department receives complaints about patients being advised to buy medicines from outside, strict departmental action will be taken against the responsible doctors or staff members.
Free Medicines Already Stocked
Civil Surgeon Dr. Kirandeep Kaur emphasised that most essential medicines are already available in the government-supplied hospital pharmacy, eliminating the need for patients to spend money outside. She stressed that the hospital is responsible for ensuring free medicines and proper treatment to all patients.
Senior Officers to Ensure Implementation
Senior Medical Officer (SMO) and Medical Officers (MOs) have been instructed to strictly follow the order. During the meeting, SMO Dr. Rashmi Vij and District Medical Officer Amardeep Singh were also present.
Focus on Accessibility and Accountability
The Civil Surgeon urged staff to manage the pharmacy well, ensure medicines are properly stocked and distributed, and work with integrity so that no patient faces difficulties in getting free treatment and medicines at the Civil Hospital.
Similar Steps in Other States
Earlier, Medical Dialogues reported that Karnataka’s Medical Education Department plans to issue a similar order directing government doctors to prescribe only hospital-available medicines.
