T’puram: Health minister K Muraleedharan reiterated that there was no shortage of medicines in Kerala, while also acknowledging that the availability of 18 items was low. “There is a shortage of 18 medicines and arrangements have been made to ensure that these medicines reach medical shops within a week,” he said on Tuesday.Responding to criticism from the opposition, the minister said govt was taking steps to address the issue. “Those who left behind a debt of Rs 2,500 crore are now criticising us. Money is needed to purchase medicines. If any medicine is unavailable for ordinary people, just tell me and I will make arrangements to get it. Tell me after a week which medicines are still unavailable and I will address the issue,” he said.Muraleedharan added that govt would stop procuring medicines from certain pharmaceutical companies, alleging that some of them were involved in corruption over the decade. “There is a relationship between doctors, officials and pharmaceutical companies that is stronger than Pamban Bridge. I will not allow such practices while I’m holding this post,” he said.The minister, who alleged that the same pharmaceutical firms were claiming that there is a medicine shortage, questioned the quality of their products. He also responded to concerns over the vacant top post at Kerala Medical Services Corporation. “A person was appointed, but he did not assume charge. I have discussed the matter with the chief minister and we are considering another suitable person,” he said.
