Violence-hit Manipur faces intense shortage medicines

Imphal: The violence-hit northeastern state of Manipur is facing an acute shortage of life-saving medicines. Manipur Chemists and Druggists Association (MCDA) confirmed this on May 19.

Shortage of life-saving medicines in Manipur has arisen due to blockade on National Highway 2.

Several trucks carrying life-saving medicines and other medicines are stuck in Manipur’s Senapati district due to the blockade.
On the other hand, many consignments of medicines are in Guwahati, Assam.

MCDA president Rakesh Rajkumar, while briefing the media, expressed concern over the rapid depletion of medicine stock in Manipur.

He said that Manipur currently has only 40% of the total stock of medicines.

“Since the day the communal riots started in Manipur on May 3, we have had a shortage of medicines, especially for diabetes and hypertension,” said the MCDA president.
Drug shortages result in “panic buying”.

“We urge people not to go for panic buying, as this will result in the remaining stock of the medicine drying up in no time,” he added.

He also urged those blocking highways to “think of those in need of medicine” and allow drug-carrying vehicles to enter Manipur.
The MCDA president also informed that the chemist association has also approached the Manipur government and urged to resolve the matter.

“However, we are still waiting for a response,” Rajkumar said.

It may be mentioned here that at least 12 trucks loaded with medicines are stranded on National Highway 2 in Manipur.

Additionally, around 40 trucks are in Guwahati with a consignment of medicines awaiting departure for Imphal in Manipur.