Hospitals run under Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) health department have been supplied medicines at prices twice than what are being paid by Gujarat Medical Services Corporation Ltd (GMSCL),as per the appeals made to the department.

Several accounts have also come to light where these medicines were either subpar or expired.

Medicines sold for 90% surged prices

As per multiple urges made to the deputy municipal commissioner (hospitals) of the AMC, the medicine suppliers have been selling at 40%–90% surge prices to the AMC-run hospitals, as compared to the GMSCL, for the last six months.

On Mar 21, bids were invited for medicinal supplies by AMC’s health department, which closed on May 23 and saw the same price margins for the medicines.

The contract, which was expiring on Mar 23, was extended further another six months.

In these six months, the medicines were sold to AMC at catapulted rates, as compared to the GMSCL.

In light of these appeals, the medicine suppliers have started to charge the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) at the same rates as the GMSCL.

Expired sub-par medicines being sold

Despite the surge in charges, several complaints have been made regarding expired medicines.

In one instance, a batch of chlorine tablets was reported to have been supplied after expiration date.

These expired medicines run through the supply chain and reach the hospitals, staying completely out of the patients’ notice.

AMC explains the price difference

Upon being asked about the price difference in the medicines, an AMC official said, “GMSCL makes purchases for the entire state. While AMC buys medicines specifically for Ahmedabad, which is why the price difference.”

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