Lucknow: A TOI reality check has revealed that Arogya Bhawan, Lucknow University’s dispensary, is facing an acute shortage of medicines.Commonly required medicines such as those for fever, cold, pain relief, gastric problems and allergies are unavailable. In many cases, students are being asked to buy medicines from outside pharmacies. The problem is compounded by poor infrastructure at the facility. Students pointed out inadequate seating, limited medical equipment, unhygienic conditions in waiting areas and leakages from the rooftops especially when it is raining. LU vice-chancellor Prof JP Saini had recently issued show cause notices after an inspection in which he found doctors and staff absent from duty and poor infrastructure. Another major concern raised was the absence of proper prescription pads. Doctors reportedly write medicine names on loose slips or verbally advise students, causing confusion and difficulty in purchasing medicines outside the campus. “The shortage of essential medicines at Arogya Bhawan has persisted for over six months. Despite repeated complaints, no action has been taken, and crumbling infrastructure, including leaking rooftops, continues to affect students’ access to basic healthcare services,” said a dispensary official. LU spokesperson Mukul Srivastava said, “Instructions have been issued to affix the university seal on prescriptions, and the dispensary is being integrated with the SAMARTH so that all processes will become online. The university also ensures uninterrupted medicine availability for students and staff.”
