Tirupur: Activists expressed concern as the city corporation was found transporting medicines to health centres in a garbage truck on Wednesday. However, a corporation official said the vehicle could have temporarily used as there were no other vehicles available at the time.
The corporation controls four maternity homes, three urban primary health centres and a dispensary. Medicines are stored in KR Easwaramoorthy corporation maternity home, from where they were transported to other centres.
On Wednesday evening, a few paramedical staff members of the maternity home were found loading carton boxes containing medicines in two garbage mini trucks owned by the civic body. When some people questioned the staff members, they said they were asked to load the medicines in those trucks and they were not aware for what purpose the vehicles were used. These people recorded the incident. From the video, it could be seen the locations where the boxes were carried.
Joint secretary of federation of consumers’ organization society N Shanmughasundaram said, “It is sad that the medicines were transported in vehicles which were meant exclusive for transporting garbage. These medicines are mainly given to pregnant women and children. What if infection occurs?"
"The medicines should have been transported in designated vehicles. We suspect that the officials would record such vehicles were used and claim funds allocated for the purpose. And they will swindle the money. Proper action should be taken against officials who were responsible for this,” Shanmughasundaram said.
When contacted, the corporation commissioner K Sivakumar said, “KR Easwaramoorthy corporation maternity home does not have medical officer but only a counsellor. It seems that the garbage mini trucks were used temporarily but it will not be repeated. A detailed inquiry with the concerned pharmacist and the health officer will be conducted, and appropriate action will be taken.”
