HC asks the state to file the reasons for the spread of viral fever

CHENNAI: Raising a queer question of whether the pharmaceutical companies are indulging in any other illegal activities for spreading these kinds of viral diseases or not, the Madras High Court directed the state health department to file a report regarding the reasons for the spread of viral fever in the state.

“The Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, is directed to furnish the reasons and details regarding the spreading over of viral diseases, one after another, without any gap in the State of Tamil Nadu and by conducting a necessary inquiry and to ascertain the activities of these pharmaceutical companies and other medicine traders, ” Justice SM Subramaniam ruled.

The judge passed the order on hearing a petition filed by R Muthumalai Rani, Medical Store Officer. The petitioner sought direction to quash disciplinary proceedings initiated by the Dean of Coimbatore Medical College Hospital.

The action was allegedly taken for the reason that she procured excess medicines beyond the permissible limit, which expired and resulted in financial loss to the state exchequer.

Recording the submissions, the judge held that there are wider allegations in the public domain that expired medicines are supplied to poor patients, who all are taking treatment in GHs.

He further observed that several viral diseases are spreading one after another and raised doubt about whether the pharmaceutical companies’ illegal acts are leading to the diseases.

“It is also to be enquired into and an investigation is imminent. Whether the State is monitoring the activities of the pharmaceutical companies, and the supply of medicines to the Government Hospitals and private traders, ” the judge held.