Majority of the health posts in Palpa district have been reeling under shortage of essential medicines since November 12. People have complained that there is a shortage of emergency drugs in several health posts. 

Though the government distributes 70 types of free medicines to the government hospitals, 58 to primary health centres, and 42 to health posts, only few medicines are available at the district-based health institutions.

Dipika Thapamagar of Humin village said the medicines otherwise available for free at government health institutions have to be bought at private pharmacies.

People who are poor have been affected by the shortage of essential medicines, she added.

Moharaj Sapkota, storekeeper of the District Health Office (DHO), said that the stock of essential drugs, including antibiotics, has almost run out.

He added the medicine stock has not been replenished since last year.