Delhi Health Minister Denies Reports of Drug Shortage in Government Hospitals

November 7, 2025

New Delhi: Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh on Friday dismissed reports suggesting a shortage of medicines and consumables in government hospitals, calling them “baseless and misleading.”

After conducting a review of drug availability across public healthcare facilities, the minister said the report was an attempt to create “unwarranted fear” among the public.

Medical Superintendents from hospitals including Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Mangolpuri confirmed that essential medicines were adequately stocked.

Hospitals’ Reports Refute Shortage Claims

A detailed response from Lok Nayak Hospital stated:

“The report is factually incorrect and misleading. All essential and life-saving medicines, as per the Delhi Government’s approved drug list, are adequately available in the hospital.”

The hospital clarified that a robust supply chain mechanism is in place to ensure uninterrupted patient care. “Daily stock positions are monitored, and any shortfall is immediately replenished through the approved procurement process,” it added.

Similar confirmations were received from LNJP, Sanjay Gandhi Memorial, Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar, and Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospitals, noting the availability of more than 40 critical medicines and supplies, including injections like Amikacin, Meropenem, and Vancomycin, as well as vaccines, syrups, tablets, and surgical items such as IV cannulas and normal saline.

Certain Non-EDL Drugs Unavailable

The report acknowledged that a few specific items, including Injection Linezolid and Syrup Ipravent, were currently unavailable — but clarified that these were not part of the Essential Drug List (EDL) and that alternative medicines were being provided to patients.

Minister Urges Media Responsibility

Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh appealed to the media to verify facts before publication, saying:

“The report published is baseless and is creating unnecessary fear among the people. As medicines are an essential need, the media should refrain from making such unverified claims and creating panic.”

He reaffirmed that the Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, remains committed to ensuring free and uninterrupted access to quality medicines and healthcare across all state-run hospitals.

The minister added that the procurement and replenishment of medicines and consumables is an ongoing process, and any temporary shortages are promptly addressed.