Re; Manipur Life Saving Drugs Issue

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

A lot of discussion had happened, and a lot has come out too.

Where as the authorities had claimed that there was no shortage of drugs, local

and regional NGOs are apprising the government and the Governor about the non

availability of essential medicines during these last few days/weeks.

While there are adequate drugs now (EFV), there was indeed no drugs on 5th to

7th August. (In our earlier report we wrongly stated 15th to 17th, the error is

regretted: courtesy MNP+).

Now, the woes do not end here - those patients on ARV procuring their doses from

pharmacies are bearing the brunt more severely. Diabetic patients and patients

on other essential medicines (women prior to delivery) are facing the problems

too. Other Opportunistic Infection (OI) medicines are also almost non existent,

only Ciplin, as NSEP, Care and Support partners says.

Another area where NEIHRN wish to share is that the drugs used to treat

overdoses patients (Heroin Overdose) should be made avail. Very often, the

victim and their close friends end up buying at an exorbitant price. These and

all should be supplied adequately and timely by the authorities. A few NGOs are

supplying though and had saved many many lives. I repeat, many many lives.

It has been reliably learnt that, drugs manufactures in India, especially TB

drugs are of no use even if you take them regularly and in time for nine months

or more. So here we would like to get assurance and find a way that drugs from

mainland India should treat the needy and the patients effectively. Not just for

namesake. I had lost two of my cousins.

There was a report in the BBC news - fake drugs of Indian origin are being

caught in South Africa - an interview with Dr Akunyili Dora on bad medicine, its

a fact too hard to be ignored or digest.

As far as fake drugs are concerned, one more drug in mass forgery process is the

" Spasmoproxyvon " capsules or locally known as " SP " or " Blue " . There are now two

types of SP - a Rs 10 per piece and another at Rs 15 per capsule. Which one is

legal/genuine is anybody's guess. (One is soft and the other hard though same in

appearance).

For those following the reply on Techincal Support Unit, we must inform you that

there has been no reply till date from NACO. We would like to discuss openly in

our e-groups with the sole intention of finding the solutions and not pointing

fingures. May I seek your suggestions in this case?

Regarding the EFV issue, our stand is still the same - give EFV to all those in

need and save lives.

For your information, TEAM lead to tackle the issue collectively.

The TEAM is a body comprising of six NGOs, viz. 1) Lifeline Foundation, 2) CARE

Foundation, 3) Social Awareness Service Organisation, SASO, 4) Manipur Network

of Positive People, MNP+, 5) Kripa Society and 6) North East India Harm

Reduction Network, NEIHRN.

The body was formed after One-day Consultative meeting on Unavailability of Life

Saving Drugs in Manipur which was held on August 21, 2007 at MDU Hall, Imphal

attended by various NGOs and networks from different backgrounds and areas.

The TEAM had earlier submitted a memorandum to the honorable Chief Minister of

Manipur including Health Secretary on August 29, 2007.

Before we wind up for today, we would to re-affirm all that the main purpose for

discussing is to bring about some changes for the better.

We had no evil intention or desire to find faults, all we are saying is let save

lifes. We all make mistakes and thats okay with NEIHRN.

Just that we are dealing with the lives of a human being and we need to be

humane. Correct me pliz if I am wrong.

Feedbacks and opinions are eagerly awaited. Until then,

With warm regards,

NEIHRN

e-mail:<neihrn@...>