Indore (Madhya Pradesh): In a startling revelation that has raised serious concerns over the management of critical medical supplies, Dean Dr Arvind Ghanghoriya’s surprise inspection at the drug store of Indore’s Super Speciality Hospital has exposed gross negligence, with life-saving medicines worth nearly ₹20 lakh found expired or stored in highly improper conditions.
The discovery has not only sent shockwaves through the medical fraternity but also triggered suspicion of deeper malpractice within the facility.
The inspection, which lasted for over an hour, was conducted by a high-level team comprising Dr DK Sharma, Dr Sunil Arya, Dr Pankaj Parashar, and pharmacists Rakesh Gorkhe and Rajneet Silawat. The team meticulously checked storage areas, examined temperature-sensitive medicines, and verified stock records.
Following the inspection, the Dean’s team prepared a panchnama (official seizure record) and immediately confiscated all expired and improperly stored drugs, securing them in the dean’s office for further investigation.
The dean said that such lapses in the storage and maintenance of critical medicines can lead to ineffective treatment, prolonged patient suffering, and, in some cases, loss of life.
Strong disapproval
Dean Dr Ghanghoriya expressed sharp disapproval of the lapses, holding superintendent Dr Sumit Shukla and his team directly responsible. “I had been receiving multiple complaints regarding irregularities in the hospital’s functioning. Taking cognisance of these reports, I carried out this inspection and was shocked to find such large-scale negligence in the handling of medicines,” he said.
Allegations of external sale raise the stakes
Sources have hinted at a possible nexus involving the external sale of high-cost medicines from the hospital’s stock a charge that, if proven, could amount to serious criminal misconduct. Calls for a thorough audit and an independent probe into the drug store’s operations have already begun within health administration circles.
Systemic negligence
The inspection uncovered alarming irregularities, including:
Over 500 injections of Rituximab, a costly cancer treatment drug, found stored in a faulty freezer, risking complete loss of efficacy.
Biological drugs and vaccines that require strict cold chain maintenance left at normal room temperature, potentially rendering them ineffective.
IV fluids scattered on the floor, indicating complete disregard for hygiene and safety protocols.
No record maintained for expired stock, a violation of standard pharmaceutical regulations.
Severe mismatch between the quantities recorded in the stock register and the actual medicines physically present in the store.
