Kerala Police Launch Investigation into Pin Found in Hospital Capsule
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Synopsis
The Kerala Police are investigating a complaint involving a pin discovered in a capsule from a state-run hospital in Vithura. The Health Department suspects foul play aimed at damaging its reputation amid a crackdown on antibiotic misuse.
Key Takeaways
- Kerala Police initiated an investigation into the pin-in-capsule complaint.
- The Health Department suspects foul play aimed at tarnishing its image.
- 30% drop in antibiotic usage since the campaign began in October.
- All hospitals are becoming antibiotic-smart.
- A doctor's prescription will be mandatory for antibiotic purchases.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 21 (NationPress) On Tuesday, the Kerala Police initiated an investigation regarding a complaint that a woman discovered a pin inside a capsule from a state-run hospital located in the suburbs of Vithura. The Kerala State Health Department has already alerted the state's police chief about this matter, suspecting potential foul play.
In the meantime, the Vithura Police, responding to a complaint from a public activist, have committed to intensifying their investigation.
The Health Department believes this incident may be a tactic to harm its reputation, orchestrated by individuals with vested interests.
Last week, after receiving her medication from the pharmacy associated with the Taluk hospital, the woman found a pin embedded within the capsule.
Shortly after, this incident and an accompanying video gained significant traction on social media, prompting the Health Department to conduct an inquiry.
Initial findings indicated that the claim was false, leading the department to inform the state's police chief of their conclusions.
Notably, the state-operated Kerala Medical Services Corporation Limited (KMSCL) is responsible for supplying medications to state-run hospitals and clinics.
However, the current allegation regarding the pin in the capsule is perceived as a scheme by those with vested interests, especially following the Kerala Health Department's vigorous campaign against the excessive use of antibiotics. Since the initiative commenced in October of last year, there has been a remarkable 30 percent reduction in antibiotic usage.
The Health Department is also ensuring that all hospitals in the state become antibiotic-smart facilities. Furthermore, it mandates that antibiotics cannot be sold at medical shops without a doctor's prescription.
This campaign aims to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which poses a significant global public health threat, as the misuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and plants contributes to the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens.
Another measure being implemented is that antibiotics will be dispensed in a blue cover, and a doctor's prescription will be required for purchases from medical shops.
