Fri Oct 03 13:42:52 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:
**Summary:**
A new survey by Akhila Karnataka Vayovruddara Okkuta (AIKYATA) reveals shortcomings in Bengaluru’s Namma Clinics, intended to provide free neighborhood-level healthcare. Senior citizens often receive only 10-15 days’ worth of essential medicines for conditions like diabetes and hypertension, forcing them to purchase privately or skip doses. The survey also highlights issues with inadequately trained staff dispensing medication, medicine shortages at Namma Clinics, Primary Health Centers (PHCs), and general hospitals, and difficulties in locating the clinics due to poor signage and unsuitable locations for elderly patients. The report criticizes the lack of community consultation in the planning and placement of the clinics, leading to unequal access.
**News Article:**
**Bengaluru’s Namma Clinics Fall Short on Medicine Supply, Accessibility for Seniors, Survey Finds**
*Bengaluru, October 3, 2025* – A recent survey has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of Bengaluru’s Namma Clinics, neighborhood health centers designed to provide accessible and free healthcare to the city’s residents. The Akhila Karnataka Vayovruddara Okkuta (AIKYATA), a senior citizen advocacy group, released a report today detailing critical shortcomings in the clinics’ operations, particularly affecting elderly patients.
The survey, which assessed public health facilities across Bengaluru, found that senior citizens are frequently receiving only a fraction of their required medications. “When we go to the Namma Clinic, we do get medicines for blood pressure and sugar, but this supply runs out in 15 days,” one senior citizen reported. “No amount of requesting the clinic staff is of any use…So, we end up taking the medicine erratically.” This forces many to either purchase medication privately or skip doses entirely, jeopardizing their health.
Adding to the concerns, the report highlighted that nurses, not trained pharmacists, are often dispensing medication, raising the risk of errors. AIKYATA argues for the need for trained public health professionals to monitor the facilities.
While clinics report submitting regular requests for needed medicines, one Namma Clinic doctor admitted that the supply they receive is insufficient, stating “We have repeatedly told our officials to have more rational practice, but after some time it doesn’t feel like it makes any difference”
Accessibility also emerged as a significant issue. The AIKYATA team encountered difficulties locating the clinics, with some not accurately reflected on Google Maps. Poor signage further hinders access, particularly for first-time elderly patients. Some clinics are also situated in unsuitable locations, such as non-residential areas or upper floors accessible only by steep ramps.
The report criticized the planning process for the Namma Clinics, noting a lack of community consultation. “Though modelled on Delhi’s Mohalla Clinics, there was little consultation before establishment,” the report stated. “Community mapping and consultation could have ensured more rational placement.” The survey revealed unequal distribution of clinics, with some areas saturated while others lack any access points.
The findings raise questions about the effectiveness of the Namma Clinic initiative in providing equitable and accessible healthcare to Bengaluru’s residents, particularly its senior citizens. AIKYATA is calling for immediate action to address the medicine shortages, improve staff training, enhance clinic accessibility, and implement a more inclusive planning process.
First Piper 