The State Government has finally informed the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) that expired medicines were found only in Cuttack district hospitals during an inquiry.
The NHRC had sought response in this regard from the Health and Family Welfare Secretary on a petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer and rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy.
After considering the CDMOs’ inquiry reports, the NHRC had sought a rejoinder from the petitioner.
Pursuant to the NHRC direction, Tripathy mentioned, “The Cuttack CDMO has admitted in his report that there are expired drugs and non-standard drugs were found in the district as per the CAG Report and disciplinary action has been initiated against the errant officials. However, no other district CDMO admits the fact in their inquiry reports.”
This case was filed much earlier with finding of CAG.
Tripathy has requested the NHRC to send the team of experts or depute the Special Rapporteur to investigate the case and direct the Chief Secretary to act against the errant officials and pay compensation to the victims and direct the State to take all possible steps to control such corrupt practice in future.