Expired Vaccines Worth Lakhs Found at BIMS; Upalokayukta Directs Action Against Those Responsible

Belagavi, Oct 29: Karnataka Upalokayukta Justice B. Veerappa conducted a surprise visit to the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) on Thursday and inspected various departments of the hospital. He expressed serious displeasure after finding vaccines worth lakhs of rupees that had crossed their expiry dates and directed officials to take action against those responsible.

During the visit, Justice Veerappa inspected the registration counters, drinking water facilities and the functioning of medical staff. He also visited various departments, including the inpatient ward, intensive care unit and maternity section.

He interacted with patients admitted to the hospital and enquired about the treatment and facilities being provided to them. Advising patients to consume nutritious food, he encouraged them to remain positive and wished them a speedy recovery. He also instructed medical officers to provide immediate treatment to a patient suffering from injuries.

The Upalokayukta inspected the outpatient registration section, reviewed the registration procedures and sought feedback from patients regarding the hospital's functioning. He also visited the outpatient medicine distribution centres and directed officials to increase the number of counters for the convenience of patients.

He instructed hospital authorities to ensure that doctors do not collect money from patients or prescribe medicines for purchase from outside pharmacies.

During his visit to the BIMS medicine store, Justice Veerappa found expired vaccines worth lakhs of rupees meant for various diseases, including rabies. Expressing serious displeasure over the matter, he directed officials to submit a comprehensive report and initiate appropriate action against those responsible for the lapse.

He subsequently visited the BIMS blood bank and inspected the availability and stock of different blood groups.

Deputy Registrar Aravind, Lokayukta Superintendent of Police Prasanna Desai, District Legal Services Authority Member Secretary K.N. Shivakumara, Additional Deputy Commissioner Vijayakumar Honakeri, Zilla Panchayat Planning Director Ravi Bangarappanavar, BIMS Director Vinay Dastikoppa and District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr. I.P. Gadad, among other officials, were present.