TMC circular to close down generic medicine counter creates controversy

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, November 30, 2022

In Tripura’s current dispensation nothing including media reports based on facts and opposition criticism never make any impact as the principle of ‘go as you like’ is ubiquitous. In a new development the Tripura Medical College (TMC) authority is all set to close down the generic medicine counter for the poor. Even though the counter was never effective in providing medicine because the doctors, caught in the vicious cycle of pharmaceutical companys, never prescribe generic medicine, the OSD of the TMC Sushil Chandra Saha, a new appointee by ruling BJP as reward for political loyalty has issued a circular to close down the generic medicine counter. To worsen matters, from the period of left rule MARKFED corporation had a medicine counter in TMC from where people could purchase medicine at lower than the market prices but Sushil Chandra Saha, presumably in collusion with the medicine shop owners near the TMC have also directed relocating of the MARKFED counter . This will help private medicine shop owners in lieu of commission.

The instruction issued in the circular has triggered a reaction among patients and employees but the government remains unmoved . During the past many years the question of whether TMC is run by government or a so-called Society is unresolved and it is practically guardianless. Many years ago Dr Ashok Sinha, a BJP leader , had filed a case in the high court on the issue but after BJP came to power he is also completely mum on the issue and always avoids an answer to any question from media. But the students and patients and their guardians continue to suffer.