Srinagar, Mar 26: Even one and a half year after preparation of draft drug policy for improving healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir, the state Government is yet to implement it evoking widespread resentment from the stakeholders including medicos.
 Sources told Greater Kashmir that draft of the proposed policy was prepared one a half year ago on the basis of the recommendations of divisional working groups headed by Principals of Government Medical Colleges and state level committee, but till date the draft is gathering dust with government in no mood of implementing it.
 The comprehensive draft deals with all nitty gritty from selection of essential drugs to their procurement.
 It also calls for creation of State Drug Committee, Medical Supplies Corporation and establishment of modern warehouses at divisional and district levels.
 Even the Government admits that framing of such policy was need of the hour owing to multiple constraints.
 “Irrational use of drugs leads to serious problems through adverse drug reactions, drug resistance, increased morbidity and high cost. The Drug & Food Control Organization also has constraints of capacity in ensuring the required quality standards of the drugs under the provisions of law. Keeping in view the importance of drugs in the healthcare services, a state specific drug policy in Jammu & Kashmir is required not only to reiterate the commitment of the Government to the goal of improved healthcare but also to provide clear priorities and strategies,” the introductory lines of the draft policy read.
 The draft policy was notified for general public to seek their opinion.
 “The Draft Drug Policy is notified with a view to seek the opinion /comments of the general public in the matter. The opinion/ comments should reach this department within 15 days from the date of publication,” read a notification number HD/Plan/Drug Policy /2009 issued by the Health department.
 But despite assurances of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Health Minister Sham Lal Sharma, the policy has not been put for Cabinet approval till date.
 The Minister for Health, Sham Lal Sharma, informed the state legislature on April 3, 2010 that a comprehensive drug policy was on anvil. Even Chief Minister Omar Abdullah asserted that the policy would be placed for Cabinet approval in November 2010.
 The delay has evoked strong reaction from the medical fraternity, who accuse the Government of shelving the policy at the behest of some influential drug companies.
 President of Doctors Association Kashmir, Dr. Nissar-ul-Hassan, said that the draft was thrown in dustbin only for a few companies whose business would have ended by its implementation.
 “Lakh of rupees and precious time of medicos was frittered on framing the policy. Its implementation would have meant relief for common masses,” he said.
 When contacted, Minister for Health, Sham Lal Sharma, said that Medical Education department has some objections over it.
 “They want to continue with present policy, but we want its implementation through single system. We would sort out the matter within short time,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 26 Mar 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 26 Mar 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 27 Mar 2011 00:00:00 IST