JU Correspondent

The Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (JUCSU) has alleged that nearly 19,567 units of medicine went missing from the university's Medical Centre within just 21 days, allegedly involving officials responsible for the facility. The student body has demanded a fair investigation and exemplary punishment for those found responsible.

The allegation came to light on Tuesday (July 21) through a statement circulated by JUCSU members on social media.

According to Medical Centre records, the missing medicines include 4,645 tablets of Alatrol, 912 Azithromycin, 420 Ciprocin, 5,000 Paracetamol, 700 Tiemonium, 2,500 Famotidine, 200 Antanil, 990 Napa, and 4,200 Domperidone.

JAKSU Health and Food Safety Secretary Hosni Mobarak said, "Following complaints from students that essential medicines were unavailable, the university administration instructed us to verify the Medical Centre's drug inventory along with Professor Dr Md Salekul Islam. During the inspection, we found that medicines worth around Tk 200,000 had been purchased on June 30, but within just 21 days, nearly 19,567 units were unaccounted for."

"Large quantities of paracetamol, antibiotics, antihistamines, gastric medicines and painkillers were missing from the store. We sought an explanation from Deputy Registrar (Store) Md Nur-e-Kamal, who is responsible for the store, but did not receive a satisfactory response. Later, we also spoke to Chief Medical Officer Dr Md Shamsur Rahman, who was unable to provide a clear explanation. We believe the matter must be investigated seriously and those responsible should face immediate action," he added.

JUCSU Literature and Publications Secretary Jahidul Islam Bappi and Executive Member Mohammad Ali Chishti were also present during the inspection.

Responding to the allegations, Chief Medical Officer Dr Md Shamsur Rahman said, "The store keys and inventory are under the responsibility of the store officer, so he should be accountable for this matter. The procurement and supply of medicines are handled by a separate committee, where I neither sign nor exercise direct control. Medicine inventory is monitored through a designated team."

"I immediately informed the university's Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) about the issue. A formal investigation will begin tomorrow to determine the reasons behind the discrepancies. We will also strengthen oversight of medicine storage and inventory management," he added.

Commenting on the incident, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) and Chairman of the Medical Centre Advisory Committee Professor Dr Muhammad Nazrul Islam said, "We frequently receive complaints that essential medicines are unavailable at the Medical Centre. Therefore, today I sent Professor Salekul Islam, JUCSU representative Hosni Mobarak, and two officials from my office for a spot inspection."

"Based on their findings, we will investigate how these medicines went missing. At the same time, we will examine where the medicines were supplied from, how they were used, under which heads they were recorded, and take action in accordance with the university's existing rules," he said.