Shortage of vital medical supplies at KGH puts patients at riskThere is critical shortage of human immunoglobulin injections, essential for patients battling depleted protein levels

King George Hospital (KGH) in Visakhapatnam is grappling with a critical shortage of human immunoglobulin injections, essential for patients battling depleted protein levels. This scarcity, persisting for over a month at the region’s principal government hospital, has severely affected those with severe health conditions.
Dr. P. Sivananda, Superintendent of KGH, has sounded the alarm, emphasising the urgency of the situation. “Our hospital requires 400 vials of immunoglobulin injections every month,” Dr. Sivananda stated. “Due to the shortage, we are compelled to allocate funds from the Hospital Development Society and Aarogyasri to procure limited stocks for our most critical patients.”
The impact of the shortage is exacerbated by exorbitant costs in the open market, where each immunoglobulin injection commands a staggering ?12,000. This financial burden has pushed many patients to the brink. “The disruption in the supply chain between the State government’s Vijayawada Central Drug Store and KGH has worsened the situation,” explained Dr. Sivananda.
Patients with compromised immune systems, paralysis, and chronic diseases are among those bearing the brunt of this scarcity. “For some patients, these injections are not just treatment but a lifeline,” revealed a doctor from KGH, speaking anonymously. “Approximately five patients across various departments rely on these injections daily.”
Efforts are now underway to mitigate the shortfall. The Drug Distribution Department at KGH has launched urgent procurement procedures, yet challenges persist in sourcing supplies from Vijayawada. Dr. Sivananda has urgently called upon all hospital departments to submit their daily requirements, aiming to compile a comprehensive report for immediate action by the Health Ministry.