Patna: A serious case of alleged negligence has emerged from a primary health centre in Bihar’s Patna district, where unexpired medicines meant for patients were found discarded in a garbage dump.
The incident was reported at the Ranabigha Primary Health Center (PHC) in Barh subdivision, with local residents claiming that cartons of medicines were dumped in a pit beside the facility and set on fire during the night.
Villagers said they later discovered several unexpired medicines among the refuse, raising concerns about the handling and management of government-supplied drugs.
Allegations Of Poor Storage
Residents allege that medicines at the PHC are stored in an open room without adequate protection. Exposure to rain and humidity, they say, has led to medicines worth lakhs of rupees being damaged.
Despite this, no proper storage arrangements have been put in place, prompting questions over administrative oversight.
Patients further claim that only basic medicines for minor ailments such as colds and coughs are distributed at the centre, while other essential drugs are either discarded or allegedly diverted for sale in the open market.
Thousands Depend On The Facility
The Ranabigha PHC serves residents across 13 panchayats, making it a critical healthcare provider in the region. However, villagers allege that doctors and staff frequently fail to report on time.
According to locals, the PHC in-charge visits only once or twice a week and remains at the facility for limited hours, affecting access to timely medical care.
Bribery Allegations Surface
Residents have also accused staff of demanding bribes of up to Rs 2,000 for issuing disability certificates. Those unable to pay, they allege, are made to wait for months, with some applicants reportedly pursuing their documents for as long as eight months.
Calls For Inquiry
The incident has triggered anger among villagers, who are demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged burning of medicines and staff negligence.
They have called for strict action against all responsible officials, including the PHC in-charge, and have urged authorities to ensure accountability in the functioning of the facility.
