Medicines meant for poor found dumped on Highway in Odisha’s Gajapati

A large quantity of government-supplied medicines meant for free distribution among the poor and needy was allegedly found dumped along a roadside in Gajapati district on Saturday. The incident was reported near Mohana on National Highway No. 326, triggering outrage among locals and healthcare activists alike.

Heaps of medicines bearing government supply labels were discovered scattered along the highway. While some of the medicines had already crossed their expiry dates, several others were still well within their valid usage period. The presence of unexpired medicines has raised troubling questions about utter negligence, mismanagement, and deliberate misuse within the healthcare supply chain.

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Upon receiving information about the incident, a medical team from Mohana CHC rushed to the spot and conducted a detailed inspection of the dumped stock. After preliminary verification, the team lodged a formal complaint with the local police, seeking a thorough investigation into the matter.

Authorities have initiated a probe to determine the source of the medicines and identify those responsible for dumping them in such an irresponsible manner. Officials are also examining whether the medicines originated from government hospitals, primary health centres, or other public healthcare facilities.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, as the discarded medicines were meant to be distributed free of cost to economically weaker sections who rely heavily on government healthcare services. 

Further investigation is underway, officials assured adding that strict action would be taken once responsibility was fixed.