Sambalpur: Crackdown on Unauthorized Medicine Stores at Vimsar Hospital

Sambalpur: Despite the availability of free government medicines, there are already two medicine stores running on the premises of Vimsar Hospital, a government medical facility. Another medical store called ‘Sai Ram’ just opened on the hospital grounds, defying the rules. After receiving complaints, Health Secretary Shalini Pandit directed Vimsar and Sambalpur District authorities to remove illegal medicine stores.

In September 2023, after news of the illegal medicine shop’s opening was reported in various media outlets, a public interest case was filed in the High Court. The Health Secretary demanded an explanation from the Vimsar authorities, questioning how the chairman allowed the opening of a new medicine store within the hospital premises, despite a previous order to cancel such commercial activities (letter number 4538 dated 27215).

As a result, the Health Secretary shortly canceled the lease for the ‘Sai Ram’ medicine store. However, the Vimsar authorities have not taken any steps to execute out this order. As a result, the Health Secretary has written to the Sambalpur District Administration, directing them to remove the medicine shop from the hospital premises. Furthermore, strong directions have been issued prohibiting the opening of any new medicine shops in the Vimsar area and extending the leases of existing illegal medicine shops.