A Medical Centre has uncovered medicines worth more than Tk 73,000 missing within just 21 days, triggering concerns over inventory management and prompting the university to initiate disciplinary and legal action.
The unannounced inspection was carried out by the university's Medicine Purchase Committee following repeated complaints from students about the unavailability of medicines despite recent procurement.
The audit found discrepancies involving 19,567 units of medicines with an estimated market value of Tk 73,101.
According to Assistant Comptroller Md Fakhrul Islam, member secretary of the Medicine Purchase Committee, the university had procured a fresh stock of medicines on July 1, including 9,000 Alatrol tablets. However, committee members became suspicious after learning that the stock had reportedly been exhausted within only three weeks.
Acting on the instructions of Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Muhammad Nazrul Islam, who also chairs the committee, an inspection team comprising committee member Prof Md Salekul Islam, Assistant Comptroller Fakhrul Islam and JU Central Students' Union (JUCSU) Health and Food Safety Secretary Hosne Mobarak conducted the surprise audit at the Medical Centre's medicine store.
The inspection found shortages of 4,645 Alatrol tablets, 912 Azithromycin tablets, 420 Ciprocin tablets, 5,000 Paracetamol tablets, 700 Tiemonium tablets, 2,500 Famotidine tablets, 990 Napron tablets, 200 Antanil tablets and 4,200 Domperidone tablets.
University sources said allegations of irregularities in medicine storage and distribution had persisted for a long time, although no formal action had previously been taken.
Deputy Registrar (Store) Nur-e-Kamal acknowledged the discrepancy in the medicine stock. He said he keeps the store keys and personally distributes medicines but was unable to explain how such a large shortage occurred.
He suggested that CCTV footage be reviewed to determine whether any irregularities had taken place.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamsur Rahman said the medicine store is managed by the Deputy Registrar's office and that he is not responsible for maintaining the inventory.
Committee member Prof Md Salekul Islam said the inspection confirmed earlier complaints that the records of medicine distribution did not match the actual stock.
"We found significant discrepancies during the inspection. A detailed report will be submitted to the university administration, which will take the necessary action based on our findings," he said.
Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Muhammad Nazrul Islam said the audit was ordered after he repeatedly received complaints that medicines were unavailable despite adequate procurement by the university.
"That is why I directed the committee to conduct a surprise inspection. The audit has revealed major irregularities," he said.
He added that an emergency meeting has been scheduled for Sunday to determine legal and disciplinary measures against those found responsible under the university's regulations.
The incident has raised fresh questions about accountability and oversight in the management of the university's healthcare services, with students calling for greater transparency to ensure medicines purchased with public funds reach those who need them.
