The Ayurvedic hospital and dispensaries in Ludhiana district have not been receiving stock of medicines for the past around three years.
Doctors are either running the services by shelling out money from their own pockets or taking help from NGOs. There are 60 types of medicines that are provided to the dispensaries.
The district has one hospital and 64 dispensaries. It was in November 2023 when the stock arrived last time and now, patients who adopt this alternative line of treatment are left in the lurch. The OPD footfall has decreased considerably due to non-availability of medicines.
Of the 64 dispensaries in the district, 41 are being run by the state government while the remaining are working under the National Health Mission. A few years ago, nearly 60 types of ayurvedic medicines were available at the dispensaries. Now, they are left with only around 12 types of medicines while some of the centres have only around six types.
“We do not want patients to return empty-handed. Hence, we are arranging medicines for ailments such as fever, cough and cold on our own. Many times, NGOs also extend a helping hand, and we are somehow running the work,” said a doctor from an ayurvedic dispensary.
In the absence of the medicines, many patients have stopped coming to the dispensaries and the footfall has decreased to a large extend.
“We do not have medicines. For some time, I procured medicines on my own and now, it has become difficult to continue the same. How we treat patients if we don’t have the required medication. Earlier 40-50 patients used to visit the dispensary but now the number has dropped to 6-8,” said a doctor and in-charge of one of the ayurvedic dispensaries.
Puja, a resident of Barewal, said: “Ayurvedic medicine is the best as it has no side effects. I always give my kids the same but of late, there have been a shortage of the medicines due to which I have stopped coming to the nearby dispensary. Buying medicines from private shops is a costly affair. In the absence of medicine supply, sometimes doctors arrange the same on their own. I am hoping that the stock will arrive soon,” she said.
Dr Raman Khanna, Director, Ayurveda, Punjab, acknowledged the shortage of medicines.
He said the medicines were expected to reach the dispensaries by mid-September. Initially, 26 types of medicines would be provided, other drugs will be procured after some time.