I was given expired medicines at a health unit. Any suggestions?

Like Follow post 20 October 2012 at 23:29

Rabindra Kumar Panda likes this.

Parivesh Sahu Don't take them...... 20 October 2012 at 23:33 Like 6

Vijay Gautam LODGE A COMPLAIN.... 21 October 2012 at 00:50 Like

RMohan Batwara It is unethical to supply expiry date medicine. It should be immediately brought to knowledge of Dr. I/C. By the way expiry date is time line. medicine does not become ineffective next day from date of expiry. It definitely losses potency & must be avoided. Some drugs which have lost potency may lead to resistance to the infective agents. 21 October 2012 at 10:31 Like 4

RMohan Batwara Expiry date Expiry date indicates a date after which the medicine should not be used. The manufacturing company, based on various experiments, fixes this expiry date and it has to be printed on the container in which the medicine is packed and supplied. All medications, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, should have expiration dates and should be discarded after the expiry date. Though using medications after their expiry dates may not always be dangerous, the medicines can become weak and possibly ineffective after the particular date. Medicines in the form of pill or liquid may often change in color and consistency. There are cases when the expiry dated medicines have given negative results. Hence it is always advisable to look for the expiry date and avoid using them. 1) Drug decomposition Just like any other consumable things, medicine also starts degrading the moment it is manufactured. Heat (temperature), light and moisture are the main factors responsible for the degradation of the drug. It important to maintain the recommended storage condition printed on the package. 2) The medicine may turn toxic

Drug decomposition (retention of potency) is not the only reason for checking of the expiry date. The degraded product may also become toxic after the due date. A physical change may also affect the medicine. The medicine must be stable to be physically, chemically, therapeutically and toxicologically. 3) The medicine must be discarded after the shelf-period The time period between the date of manufacturing and the expiry date is called the shelf-life period of a medicine. In order to maintain a good shelf-life, the manufacturing company, sometimes, adds excess quantity of active or medicinal ingredient. The purpose of adding excess quantity is to maintain the minimum standard of potency required till the expiry date. Usually, the medicines available in solid forms have more shelf-life than those in the liquid forms. Taking a medicine beyond this shelf-life period may affect the user adversely causing more problems. 4) Sometimes the medicine is dangerous even before the expiry date Sometimes the medicine may expire well before the expiry date printed on the label if the retail drug outlets or drugstores are not well equipped for appropriate storage conditions. Hence avoid buying medicines nearing the expiry date from sub-standard stores. 21 October 2012 at 10:43 Like 1

Vikash Anand @everybody : thanks for suggestions..esp mrParivesh Sahu .. .. My aim was just to make everybody aware .. 21 October 2012 at 10:51 Like 1

Parivesh Sahu Dear Vikash Anand: Thanks for heeding to my advise. But, one always has to be alert in this issue.I have even seen big stores like "Reliance Fresh" selling products beyond their expiry date. So, better take precautions.... 21 October 2012 at 15:19 Edited Like 1

Pradeep Mishra Vikash ,If the medical department develops a proper evolving drug procurement, storage and distribution policy, it wouldnot have happened but doctors are more busy with their own sepeciality work so that they remain professionals with earning even after retirement thereby not inclined to do these type of non professional administrative planning jobs which is not having the reputation as compared to the clinically specialised job.Medical department is still in the 80's in terms of IT penetration and usage which could solve the problem of expired medicines,proper accountal and procurement . I think we owe an apology to you personally for the avoidable incident as IRMS Officers which will certainly affect your faith in the RHS. 21 October 2012 at 14:16 Like


Kvr Murthy U can file a case of attempt to murder as expired drugs are deemed to have turned to poison. Even if rlys dont reiumburse the cost of medicaines, that we all buy ocassionally OTC, yet make it a habit to insit on pakka reciept with batch and date of exp mentioned. this will come handy . 21 October 2012 at 14:21 Like

Vijay Gautam Vikash Anand: the stage of awareness is ok but try to jump a level up and get the system repaired....perhaps ur complain can do a lot...... 21 October 2012 at 14:24 Edited Like

Mihir Choudhury Its a case of negligence on the part of the pharmacist of the HU as he was not maintaining an expiry register of medicines.Had he maintained one,this thing would not have happened. 21 October 2012 at 15:11 via mobile Like

Mihir Choudhury Its a case of negligence on the part of the pharmacist of the HU as he was not maintaining an expiry register of medicines.Had he maintained one,this thing would not have happened. 21 October 2012 at 15:11 via mobile Like

Pradeep Mishra It would be wrong to blame the pharmacist in isolation when no one in the system is bothered about anything except their promotion and reputation.When was the last time any CMS,CMD had visited that place on inspection followed by corrective suggestions. 21 October 2012 at 16:59 via mobile Like 1

Vikash Anand Pradeep Mishra : you are the right person who got the idea behind my post .. it is definitely not easy to maintain and keep track of records manually.. it is the time we should go for computerisation in all the departments, to the extent possible..

21 October 2012 at 17:03 Like 1

Vikash Anand btw, have a look at 10.151.2.147 (railnet, obviously) and post the print screen if you see something 21 October 2012 at 17:08 Like

Vikash Anand Vijay Gautam : Let me overcome my problem (its almost 10 months now).. i'll see to it then.. anyway, a complain can result into punishment of 1-2 employees, but it is not going to upgrade the system. 21 October 2012 at 17:34 Like 1

Praveen Poddar Vikash Anand: Regarding your idea of computerisation in Hospital, I would like to share my experience as SrEDPM/Alipurduar/NFR. A case of technical vetting for "Hospital Management Information System" came to me. The proposal was having administrative approval of GM, despite being an engineer, in a highly casual manner. Perhaps GM saw only signature of CMD and FA&CAO in the file. The then DRM/APDJ tried to some extent inject some professionalism in the proposal. Perhaps he was also helpless in front of fierce bureaucracy. The earlier EDPM, a non-technical accounts officer, based on examination by clerk (officially called engineer) technically vetted the proposal. The proposal was about 1.5 years old based on single budgetary quotation from OEM who originally supplied the earlier version of PC based HMIS. The estimate given by him was adopted/copied on "as is" basis without examination by engineer. There was no provision for maintenance. Provision for AC was made without any justification. The server selected was very costly. No . of user terminals and printers was more than required. There was even provision for colour printer. I made detailed examination of the proposal and in the interest of early progress of work technically vetted the proposal with my detailed remarks/conditions. By the time I left APDJ division, I did not see the proposal again. Perhaps it has been consigned to records or kept in abeyance for "right time" to revive the proposal. In my opinion, such proposal should not be dealt by doctors. They should give their requirement to either S&T or Electrical Department to plan, execute and maintain the system. The present set up of zonal or divisional IT Centers controlled by non-technical accounts officers and manned by clerks cannot deal computerisation. At RB level, C&IS directorate is under MT. So they cannot control, zonal IT centers under the control of FA&CAO. My sustained correspondence upto Railway Board was totally ignored. Even NFR/HQ did not respond.

In long term, IR should have separate IT Cadre. Incidentally it is informed that Indian Navy has established separate IT Cadre. 21 October 2012 at 20:56 Edited Like 1

Vijay Gautam Vikash Anand: ya u may be correct, but merely putting the problem on facebook n putting sm comments also do not upgrade the system...bdw get well soon, the system is eagerly waiting for ur efforts ... 21 October 2012 at 22:55 Like 2

Pradeep Mishra The IR General Administrative Officers like DRM and GM has to take the major blame in failed RHS as they never felt the need to take regular feedbacks regarding the health status of employees,availability of drugs& equipments,good healthcare practices,integration of IT by keeping the medical department Administrative Officers on tight leash.How can they ignore the absence of planning and projection of targets in medical departments working every year.How can they allow the escape of medical administrators in SAG,HAG from their administrative seats and responsibilities citing clinical work even when other qualified juniors are available to take over and handle such clinical cases.Why are our DRM and GM not interested in calling for Health care statistics of division and zones at least once in every quarter to analyse the failing trends in RHS. 22 October 2012 at 01:00 Like

Sudhendu Shekhar Sharma Dispensing expired medicine is a serious accident and should never happen in any system. Mistakes must have been made at multiple levels but the final responsibility lies with pharmacist who handed over the drug. He/she is trained/qualified and is expected to check what he is giving to someone . 22 October 2012 at 01:39 Like

Pradeep Mishra When did any zone organise training or CME for pharmacists with imparting knowledge for good pharmacy practices and management applicable to RHS. 22 October 2012 at 10:15 via mobile Like

Pradeep Mishra We should try to fix the wrong rather than the wrongdoers.Its right time to review the pharmacy services in RHS because we should avoid wastage of precious finances by expiring medicines . 22 October 2012 at 10:20 via mobile Edited Like

Asfaq Ahmed i had already given a suggesation that in case of serious trouble please do not go the raiwlay hospital 22 October 2012 at 10:53 Like

Kvr Murthy The local purchase power is more misused than used and that too for certain people only. Even for the slightest and silliest of the health problem - some people are always referred to the pvt hospital that rlys have tie up with. Y. This shows the reliability on our RHS. Visiing Docs is now the norm. They definitely have upgraded knowledge and skills but for obvious reasons the Rly patients end up visiting their nursing home. Yes Rly Hospital is the best place only if u want to have OFFICIAL REST. 22 October 2012 at 11:04 Like 2

Asfaq Ahmed do agree, in my opininon the RHS to close. 22 October 2012 at 11:20 Like

Vijay Kumar Mr. KVR if you have interest and time, please contact local HU/Hosp and collect data about the grade pay/designation of patients for which medicines have been LP ed or referred to Pvt hospitals for the last one year and please put it on facebook. Please do not make wild guesses on FB which is seen by many, commented upon by very few but has the capability to influence opinions. 22 October 2012 at 12:26 Like 3

Asfaq Ahmed mr vk do agree for ur comments that wild guess should not be there. data are also not available for the patients who have been bot given the proper medicines at correct time. ie diagnosis is not correct. i am stating for the unknown reasons for the disease. 22 October 2012 at 13:42 Like


Asfaq Ahmed i do agree that sharing of the information is not correct on the face book. 22 October 2012 at 13:44 Like

Asfaq Ahmed soon i am plannning to approach in a systamatic way to zonal hqtr and railway board at appropriate locations. 22 October 2012 at 13:45 Like

Venkateshwar Pandey The intention of providing the expiry date on the strip of tablets or bottles of medicines is a preventive step to avoid the unwanted incidents in case of error at one level.You should be always conscious about your safety ,be it a medicine or any consumer item. Computerization is not a panacea for all the problems.one should not have a blind faith in any person or a system. 22 October 2012 at 19:24 Edited Like 1

Pradeep Mishra RHS is on a suicidal path for last 2 decades by neglecting its prime organisational responsibility of equitable health care to all beneficiaries by neglecting health units and diverting attention to high end medical services to compete with private sector which led to a colossal failure at the ground level of health care flooding the hospitals by patients in later stages of diseases and complications.Now IR has more number of patients at workplaces rather than employees.Why ,its a one dollar question. 22 October 2012 at 14:17 via mobile Like

Anurag Kapil This is a way of sending warning signals that one must not even think of visiting the railway hospital premises. 22 October 2012 at 14:46 Like

Prakash Meena We all r accountable for poor infrstructure in Railway hopitals but still the services available r far better n cost effective but we need more funds for it. One cannot manage comprehensive health care including tertiary care in Rs.1200 per annum. Pl put some efforts to increase bughet. We still serving all in best ethical medical practice. drpcm 23 October 2012 at 01:18 Like

Sudhendu Shekhar Sharma I will still say that it was an accident and All accidents l should be reported/ investigated and I would repeat the clichs No more accidents. 23 October 2012 at 01:18 Like

Pradeep Mishra Vikash should feel lucky that he got atleast expired medicines ,there r many patients who have to return without medicines.Something is better than nothing. 23 October 2012 at 01:44 via mobile Like

Prakash Meena Thanks for repoting n it will awaken the sleeping doctors in Rlys. drpcm 23 October 2012 at 01:48 Like

Ananth Rupanagudi Firstly, it is important to check the medicines for the expiry date wherever you are being given or you are purchasing. It can be even given by a medical shop chap. That is anyway the foremost responsibility of a purchaser. Secondly, the experiences vary from person to person and hospital to hospital even in the Railways. My daughter was born in a Railway hospital and we were taken care of well. We used to go to Railway hospital most of the times anyway. It also depends on your personal equation with the docs. Of course, I am on deputation and the Army docs are way ahead as far as calibre and training are concerned. 23 October 2012 at 08:06 Like 1

Gaurav Singh presciption holds good. u can buy medicines from market 23 October 2012 at 08:23 Like

Alok Badkul That's the way railway will reduce man -power. . . . .Too bad , very difficult to digest such shortcomings. 23 October 2012 at 11:34 Like 1

ESIC's first Medical College opens in Bangalore,it marks the organisation's foray into the education sector,apart from healthcare. ESIC also plans to open 7 more medical colleges across the country and at least four is expected to commence by next year.Hope that powers that be Railways are aware of this fact .. .. ..
Like Follow post 13 October 2012 at 15:04

2 people like this.

Mahesh Chandra Panwar shayad rly wale jagjaye v long pending kam ko shuru kare. 13 October 2012 at 18:37 Like

Parveen Chopra Sir, forum was missing u for quite some time. Good day! 13 October 2012 at 20:04 Like

Bharat Vakil Mahesh - Insha Allah! 13 October 2012 at 23:31 Like

Sudhendu Shekhar Sharma There is a basic difference between IRMS and ESI . 14 October 2012 at 12:37 Like


Bharat Vakil There is no difference, both are providing healthcare to its beneficiaries but unfortunately beaurocracy rules Railways and E.S.I.C. is an independent body... this is why M.S. controls DG[RHS]- under whom largest chunk of Group A Officers are there.We crawl where we have to bend..........................many may like it and those who do not, need not react to the basic truth. 14 October 2012 at 13:21 Like 2

Sudhendu Shekhar Sharma So the difference that a specialist /super specialist can be appointed as a specialist and can be allowed to work in his/her specialty and can be paid more thn non specialist ; is not a big difference or is not a difference at all . 14 October 2012 at 14:23 Like

Bharat Vakil Railway has NO Specialist cadre- all are appointed as G.D.M.O. through U.P.S.C. where as E.S.I.C. making specific appointments.I, with three P.G.'s worked as a Radiologist for 24 years when I did not have a PG in this subject......JRH built a Neurosurgery unit but converted it into Medical Record Room,Paed ward etc because it did not get sanction for creation of posts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Let us put a stop to arguement here.................is there any organisation in the world where a HOD(CMD) is asked to hand over charge when he is inspection tour ? 14 October 2012 at 21:10 Like 2

Sudhendu Shekhar Sharma Thats why I was saying that ESI is a different story all together.. 15 October 2012 at 11:26 Like

Mihir Choudhury Please do not remain under the illusion that medical officers at ESIC are independent.Though ESIC predominantly provides medical benefits to industrial workers across the country, the doctors do not call the shots here.Medical Commissioner of ESIC, who is equivalent to our DGRHS though in SAG rank, reports to DG/ESIC, an IAS Officer in HAG. Apart from that ESIC Officers in other branches enjoy more authority and power than doctors.The ESIC Doctors did not get time bound promotion to SG due to veto by DG/ESIC, thereby suffering a huge financial setback for the cadre.To open medical colleges, to be more correct PG Medical Colleges by ESIC was a political decision implemented by the organisation. 15 October 2012 at 14:28 Like

Bharat Vakil Railways had plan to open a Medical College in 70's at Secunderabad and that is still a pipe dream.Doctors never call shots any where, otherwise a M.D.{General Medicine} would not be posted at GM's house to take BP daily ! The problem is that we accept what ever is told because we have so much self interest and conflicting desires........ 15 October 2012 at 14:58 Like

Sheelendra Mohan Yeh sab gyan retire hone ke baad hi kyon aata hai. 15 October 2012 at 21:26 Like 1

Pradeep Mishra kyunki retirement se pahle bolenge toh poori Kahani ka natyaroopantar Jo Karna pad sakta hai . 16 October 2012 at 01:15 via mobile Like

Arun Kumar Again a misplaced priority. We require at least 200 cr to establish a medical college, that too in an existing zonal hospital. Imagine how much infrastructure can be created at divisional levels and health unit levels. What do you gain by establishing medical colleges? Who would be the beneficiaries? What returns would you expect from those beneficiaries? I have seen ESIC medical college at bangalore. Not even 100 patients per day. nearly 200 teaching staff and 75 residents are paid salaries from poor labourers contribution. A mere waste of money. What kind of teaching would you expect with such a poor patient input? Medical education should be with in the domain of MoHF 16 October 2012 at 02:00 Like 2

Pradeep Mishra Dr Arun ,You are so correct.The medical college in IR is a highly misplaced priority .First we should learn to run our present institutions in an acceptable manner and when we prove to be really well organised these higher things will be handed to us or may be requested by MOHFW to do it. 16 October 2012 at 13:22 Like 1