The District Medical & Health Officer of East Khasi Hills Dr A Lyngdoh has admitted that there is shortage of medicines at present due to a transition of procurement of drugs in the state.

This was stated in an action taken report in connection with the treatment of typhoid fever cases at Shella PHC and Ichamati CHC sent to the HYC general secretary Roykupar Synrem here.

This came after the HYC had written to the DM&HO for providing adequate medicines in the two health centres for the treatment of typhoid fever and to conduct investigation into the causes of such disease.

“There is a shortage of medicines at present since there is a transition of procurement of drugs from the state to the newly constituted corporation viz Meghalayan Medical Drugs & Services Limited (MMDSL). We are hereby submitting to the DHS (MI)/MMDSL the list of drugs that are required to combat the current crisis,” Dr Lyngdoh said in the action taken report.

She also informed that a team from the IDSP cell will be visiting Shella on April 28, to conduct an investigation for verification of the cases and identifying the source of illness.

A letter has been issued to all facilities including Shella & Ichamati to conduct awareness programmes on the symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention of the diseases, Dr Lyngdoh added.