GUWAHATI: In a significant move to help patients from being harassed due to the unavailability of prescribed medicines in government hospitals, the Assam government has introduced a new rule that will come into effect from February 15. Under this rule, doctors at state-run hospitals must prescribe medicines that are available in their respective hospital pharmacies only.
The initiative aims to ensure that patients do not face difficulties in obtaining essential medicines and to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Many patients have struggled with prescriptions that require them to purchase medicines from private pharmacies, often at higher prices.
Additionally, a helpline will be launched, allowing patients to lodge complaints if doctors prescribe medicines unavailable in hospital pharmacies. The rule also mandates that all prescriptions must include the helpline number, ensuring transparency and accountability in the system.
The Assam government hopes that this measure will bring relief to patients, particularly those from economically weaker sections, by making essential medicines more accessible within the hospital system.
Meanwhile, a two-day training program for coffee farmers began on Thursday at the Regional Coffee Research Station (RCRS), Diphu, in Assam's Karbi Anglong. Coffee seeds for the 2024-2025 financial year were also distributed. The training is designed to help new farmers learn important skills for growing coffee.
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