Shillong, September 24, 2024: Meghalaya’s Health Minister, Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh, informed that a serious concern was raised over the lack of drug inspectors in various districts across the state. Addressing the media after holding a meeting with a group of qualified and registered Pharmacists of Meghalaya, the Health Minister further said the state government will form a committee, headed by Commissioner Secretary IAS Dr. Joram Beda, to address the concerns raised by the group.
The Health Minister described the shortage as a “significant gap” that warrants immediate attention. However, she emphasized that all concerns need to be verified through a thorough investigation to understand the true extent of the issues.
“The officer that came to represent the government with me, in my discussion with these young people, said there are not enough drug inspectors. So this is a big gap. How will inspections happen when officers are insufficient? So this is one side of the story. Let me find out what the situation is. Let me find out what is the real condition, and it’s very unfortunate,” Dr. Lyngdoh said.
“We should disallow this, we cannot allow this to happen because we have seen that it is now creating a lot of problems in the community and society around us. We have to be strict, and we have to follow the norms. Inspections have to be conducted regularly, and we have to be stringent about this as per law,” she added.
The Health Minister stressed the need for regular inspections and strict enforcement of laws, citing the state’s expanding districts and the increasing need for oversight. “From 1972 till today, we have to look at how the expansion of districts is happening. The expansion of everything is happening, and we need to make sure that these officers are in position,” she stated.
In response to the meeting with the group of qualified and registered Pharmacists of Meghalaya, Dr. Lyngdoh said, “We need to verify these claims carefully and develop a thoughtful approach before bringing the issue to the Chief Minister.”
When asked about the appointment of drug inspectors, she responded, “I have no idea if the necessary sanctions have been made. How can appointments be made if there’s no sanction in place? Additionally, I’m told there is no service rule. This same issue came up in my meeting with AYUSH doctors. Without a service rule, how can we proceed?”
Dr. Lyngdoh also said similar concerns were raised by other medical professionals, including dentists and AYUSH doctors.
She mentioned, “I met with dentists who explained their concerns about service rules, which I will also take up. It’s essential that the government doesn’t leave these matters unresolved.”
The minister continued, “It is only fair that we give these professionals a patient hearing. We need to listen, find solutions, and ensure that we make progress toward formalizing these critical issues. Everything takes time, but we have to start somewhere, and I am willing to do that.”
Dr. Lyngdoh acknowledged alarming issues within the community regarding the sale of medical supplies.
“I have been informed that syringes, which should not be sold off the shelf, are widely available. We need to investigate and rectify this situation immediately,” she noted.
She also highlighted the need to review licensing procedures for different types of medicine shops.
The Health Minister informed that the state government will form a committee, headed by Commissioner Secretary IAS Dr. Joram Beda, to address concerns raised by the group of qualified and registered Pharmacists of Meghalaya. Dr. Lyngdoh emphasized the importance of addressing these critical issues and has decided to consult unemployed pharmacists to incorporate their valuable suggestions.
She acknowledged that this issue had only recently been brought to her attention and assured that a follow-up meeting would take place on the 28th to determine the next steps.
“This is the first time this issue has been brought to my attention. The government must consider the valuable suggestions these professionals are offering. We will meet again on the 28th to discuss what actions must be taken as soon as possible,” the Minister stated.
She further added, “I was not aware of the licensing distinctions between different types of medicine shops and the availability of syringes. These are critical issues that must be addressed, and I have assured the stakeholders that we will sit together to find solutions. After our follow-up meeting on the 29th of October, I will brief the Chief Minister on the necessary steps.”
Dr. Lyngdoh concluded by reiterating her commitment to resolving these concerns, “I am hopeful that we can take swift and effective action to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.”