PAC Report Uncovers Rs 213 Million Loss in “Rat-Infested” Medical Warehouses

A scathing special report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has exposed a catastrophic failure in the national medical storage system, revealing that over Rs 200 million worth of medicines have been lost to expiration and poor conditions.

The report, released this Tuesday, 28 April, highlights a “grave failure” within the Central Supplies Division (CSD).

According to the PAC, the financial toll of expired drugs has reached an estimated Rs 213 million over a three-year period, largely attributed to deteriorating infrastructure and mismanagement.

Insalubrious Conditions and Pest Infestations

Inspectors visiting five state storage sites described scenes of extreme neglect.

At the Plaine Lauzun facilities, warehouses were found to be insalubrious and infested with rats.

Rodents have reportedly damaged medical packaging, creating a high risk of contamination.

The infrastructure across several sites is in a state of advanced decay, featuring cracked walls and crumbling ceilings.

Furthermore, at least three warehouses are completely without electricity, leaving medical supplies—many of which are heat-sensitive—without any form of ventilation or climate control.

Systemic Management Failures

The PAC, chaired by Opposition Whip Adrien Duval, identified significant inconsistencies in stock management. The report noted that:

• New Grove: Air-conditioned spaces are being used to store expired products, while essential medicines are kept in inadequate conditions elsewhere.
• Cold Chain: The integrity of the cold chain is not guaranteed.
• Record Keeping: Management remains reliant on archaic paper registers rather than modern digital systems.
• Safety Risks: Staff are reportedly working without adequate protective equipment, often in close proximity to flammable products stored inappropriately.

Skyrocketing Costs and Urgent Recommendations

The committee has called for the immediate evacuation of the most dilapidated sites and the centralisation of operations into a singular, modern warehouse.

While a project for a modern facility was initially estimated at Rs 60 million in 2009, the PAC warns that the cost of such an undertaking has now ballooned to over Rs 2 billion.

To address the crisis, the report recommends the urgent formation of a high-level steering committee involving multiple ministries.

This body would be tasked with overseeing a total overhaul of the storage system to ensure national health security and better access to care.

Source: Defi Media