Dawai Dost set to close shop at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences Ranchi

RANCHI: The Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS)’s decision to shut down “Dawaai Dost”, a generic medicine store which used to provide medicines at subsidized rates, is likely to push up the medical expenses of poor .patients visiting the hospital by nearly four times.
The move comes in the wake of a 2015 decision made by governing body of RIMS in which it was decided that the hospital would invite an open tender after its agreement ends with Dawaai Dost. However, as no tenders were invited after 2015 and after Jharkhand High Court summoned the RIMS administration over the issue, it directed the store to down shutters within a month.
RIMS director Dr Kameshwar Prasad said, “I dont have any knowledge of the governing body’s decision in 2015 Dawai Dost has to close shop and a fresh tender has to be invited. However, soon after the high court sought a clarification on the matter, I tracked down the details and issued the order.”
Asked about the difficulties which many poor patients visiting RIMS will face as Dawai Dost offers medicines at subsidised rates, Dr Prasad said as a part of interim arrangement they have spoken to a supplier which provides medicines to Sadar Hospital and it will be available through Jan Ausadhi Kendra on the RIMS campus.
Meanwhile, several doctors as well as governing body members termed the decision of RIMS administration a hasty one and expressed their displeasure over it.
“I see a lot of patients who cannot afford medicines from private pharmacies and I suggest Dawaai Dost. If the shop is closed without a proper alternative then poor patients will have a tough time,” said an assistant professor of the medicine department of RIMS.
Ranchi MP Sanjay Seth also said, “Dawaai Dost has been providing its services to poor patients as it is a non-profit organisation. RIMS should have thought of an alternative before removing the counter or else the patients will have to suffer.”