Shortage of Eye Medicines Amidst Rising Cases of Conjunctivitis Alarms Banke

The Sonari rural municipality, nestled within Banke, is grappling with a distressing predicament as it confronts a shortage of crucial eye medicines required to combat the escalating cases of viral conjunctivitis. This situation has unfolded as the region witnesses a surge in individuals affected by this eye condition in recent times.

Health facilities within the rural municipality are grappling with an influx of patients afflicted with viral conjunctivitis, an ailment causing irritation and redness of the eye.

Dr. Ram Shah, the head of Rapti Sonari Hospital, voiced his concerns over the dwindling supply of medicines available for the treatment of this eye ailment. Over the span of just ten days, the hospital recorded a staggering 273 cases of conjunctivitis. Both the hospital and local health posts are struggling to adequately address the pressing demand for medicines, resulting in patients leaving without the required treatments.

Hiramani Gurau Tharu, the in-charge of the Basic Health Post situated in Rapti Sonari-3, lamented the complete depletion of their eye medication stock. Likewise, Sandeep Chaudhary, overseeing the Binauna Health Post, noted that they attended to 158 eye-related cases between August 6 and 15.

Devendra KC, the chief of the health section within Rapti Sonari rural municipality, corroborated reports of an eye drug scarcity resonating across the district. Even local health posts have been hit by this distressing shortage.

Tapta Bahadur Poudel, the chairperson of the rural municipality, acknowledged that the local government has been unable to ensure an adequate supply of eye medicines to health posts at a time when cases of eye conjunctivitis are spiraling. The scarcity appears to be pervasive, extending beyond the District Health Office and even affecting the market supply of these essential medicines.

As the community in Banke grapples with this pressing challenge, the need for swift action to address the medication shortfall becomes increasingly critical. Ensuring access to necessary medications remains a paramount concern, particularly as the incidence of viral conjunctivitis continues to rise.