Maha Kumbh effect: Prayagraj facing a medicine crisis amid rush of devotees

Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj is facing a severe shortage of medicines, according to a report of Kapil Dixit in the Times of India.

As per the report, the rush of devotees for the Maha Kumbh has resulted in an 'unofficial' closure of the wholesale medicine market in Prayagraj, leading to the medicine crisis.


The wholesale medicines centre at Leader Road, situated on the main route between Sangam and the railway station, has been unable to function effectively since mid-January. The continuous flow of pilgrims and the ban on truck entries has severely affected supplies, the report has claimed.

According to the report, stocks of essential medicines for blood pressure, cardiac conditions and diabetes are running critically low at both wholesale and retail levels.

Speaking to TOI, Anil Dubey, the head of Allahabad chemist and druggist association, stated, "Since Jan 24, traders in the wholesale drug business have not been able to operate their business properly, which has led to a huge gap between demand and supply."

The traders highlighted that strict entry restrictions for vehicles, including those carrying medical supplies, have disrupted the supply chain. "Association members have made several attempts to convey the shortage of drugs to the district authorities concerned, but in vain," Dubey said. He further noted that transporters are refusing medicine deliveries to Leader Road due to stringent police and administrative measures.

Government officials dismissed the concerns, stating they had not issued any formal directives to close the market.