Many government health institutions in the district are facing a shortage of medicines provided for free by the government, affecting the patients. The government provides 72 types of medicines through various health institutions in the all 77 districts.
The setback comes at a time when health facilities lately are facing a pressure of patients with various cold-related diseases, with the temperature plummeting. More than half a dozen people have died of cold-related diseases so far in the district, according to health workers.
The stock at Baradahi health post, which is empty, is yet to be replenished, said health worker Ram Narayan Mishra.
Likewise, Sagarmatha Zonal Hospital, which people of many villages in the district visit for service, also shares the similar story.
The hospital is struggling with the medicine shortage and manpower, said hospital medical superintendent Dr Daya Shankarlal Karna.
As a result, those who can afford it are forced to visit private health institutions for treatment at the relatively higher fee, while the poor are left without any option, but to suffer.
