State-run health institutions in Madhes Province are facing a severe shortage of medicines due to delays in procurement by the Health Supplies Centre under the Ministry of Health and Population.

Frequent changes in the Centre's leadership and internal disputes have disrupted the procurement process, according to officials. As a result, economically disadvantaged patients have been hit hardest by the shortage.

To cope with the crisis, provincial hospitals across Madhes have begun purchasing medicines using their internal funds. However, hospital authorities say they have been unable to distribute medicines free of cost as promised by the government.

Laboratories set up in 136 local levels by the Province Public Health Laboratory are also struggling to continue operations due to a lack of testing kits.

Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh said that efforts are underway to restore the supply of medicines and expressed hope that the situation will improve soon.

Although the government has committed to providing 98 essential medicines free of charge, currently only about half are available to patients. -- RSS