Instructions to immediately close medical stores without pharmacists in Madhya Pradesh

Satna. Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla conducted a surprise inspection of Satna District Hospital on Friday. He was enraged by the filth in the district hospital and the dirty sheets on the beds in the wards. He reprimanded the hospital management and ordered cleanliness. He also strictly ordered the district drug controller to immediately close medical stores without pharmacists.

Review of Health Services
The Health Minister, who arrived in Satna on Friday, reviewed health services across the district. He took a tough stand against drug stores, saying that drug stores exist to save lives. It would be unfortunate if someone’s life was endangered by incorrect medication. He strictly instructed all drug inspectors to conduct intensive inspections across the district of such stores operating without pharmacists.

Instructions to Monitor Food Quality
During the inspection, Rajendra Shukla found dirty sheets on many beds in the wards. He expressed displeasure, stating that the identity of any institution is determined by its cleanliness. He was surprised to find that the hospital management did not even provide bedsheets on the mattresses spread on the floor. When informed that laundry work was outsourced, he directed strict monitoring of the system. He also asked for an eye on the quality of food served to patients.

Instructions for Qualitative Improvement in Health Services
In the review meeting held after the inspection, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the need for qualitative improvement in health services, from the district hospital to sub-health centers. He urged continued efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality.

Review of New Hospital Construction
The Health Minister also reviewed the construction work of a new 150-bed hospital being built at a cost of ₹32.54 crore on the district hospital campus. He directed the agency to complete the construction work by October 2026 (two months ahead of the scheduled deadline of December 2026). He also stated that if the patient has an Ayushman card, the Collector and Chief Medical Officer can make a decision at the district level to provide air ambulance services.