Gadwal: In an important effort to protect public health and safety, district health officials made a surprise visit to check first aid centers in Kondair village, Itikyal Mandal. This visit was led by Dr. G. Prasoon Rani, the Maternal and Child Welfare Program Officer, following orders from District Medical and Health Officer Dr. S. K. Siddappa.
The team, including Deputy DM & HO K. Madhusudan Reddy and Health Assistant Narasayya, inspected centers run by individuals named Mohan and Ramesh. They found these centers stocked with medicines usually found in more advanced medical facilities. These included antibiotics, steroids, painkillers, calcium injections, B-complex injections, children’s syrups, nebulizers, adult antibiotics, asthma medications, and referral slips from various private hospitals. The centers also had equipment like IV stands and beds, making them look more like full clinics instead of simple first aid centers.
Further investigation showed that the operators were conducting blood tests and treating a range of ailments, which was beyond the role of a first aid center. The district officials also reviewed patient test reports from these centers, raising serious concerns about their practices.
Because of these findings, including the misuse of the term “first aid center” and the unauthorized use of a doctor’s symbol on the clinic board, the health authorities decided to close Mohan’s first aid center immediately. A detailed report of the inspection was given to the District Medical and Health Officer on the same day.
This action highlights the district health department’s commitment to regulate medical practices and ensure that first aid centers operate within their intended roles, thus protecting public health.
