Delhi government takes action over non-delivery of more than 1 lakh vials of anti-rabies vaccine, suspends 7 officials: Details

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta (Image via The Impressive Times)

The Delhi government has suspended seven officials, including five pharmacists, after an inquiry found serious problems in the way medicines were being procured, stored and managed at different stores of the Central Procurement Agency (CPA). The officials have been suspended while further action is being taken. The government said responsibility will be fixed, and strict disciplinary action will be taken against those found at fault.

Report highlights storage problem

The action came after a report published by The Indian Express on Saturday, 27th June, pointed out major issues at a CPA warehouse in Janakpuri, West Delhi. The report said the warehouse did not have enough cold storage space to keep life-saving medicines, including anti-rabies vaccines.

According to the report, a shipment of more than 1.27 lakh vials of anti-rabies vaccine, meant for Delhi’s government hospitals and healthcare centres, has not been delivered. A letter sent by the Serum Institute of India to the CPA stated that the vaccines could not be supplied because the designated government warehouse lacked sufficient cold storage capacity.

Vaccines are important as the rabies risk grows

The delay is a matter of concern because Delhi has seen an increase in stray dog attacks and the risk of rabies. Last year, the Supreme Court also expressed concern over the growing number of such incidents, making the timely availability of anti-rabies vaccines even more important.

The Central Procurement Agency is responsible for buying and supplying medicines, vaccines and medical equipment to Delhi government hospitals and other public healthcare facilities. The government said that proper procurement, safe storage and transparent management of medicines are essential to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for people.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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