A shocking lapse in the delivery of essential medicines has drawn sharp criticism of the Tamil Nadu government. Life-saving medicines meant for pregnant women and children were reportedly transported in a garbage truck to an urban primary health centre in Kodungaiyur, Chennai, raising serious concerns about public health governance.
The incident was highlighted on social media by BJP leader Annamalai, who described it as “a disgraceful act” and criticized the patchwork model of administration under the DMK government, accusing officials of showing “utter disregard for the well-being of the people of Tamil Nadu.”
“The disgraceful act of carrying life-saving medicines meant for pregnant women & children in a garbage truck to an urban primary health centre in Chennai’s Kodungaiyur speaks volumes about the patchwork model DMK govt’s utter disregard for the well-being of the people of TN. Such glaring incompetence has turned governance into a mockery. Even after the tragic loss of 21 infants to toxic cough syrup manufactured in TN, which was a direct result of years of neglect and apathy in Tamil Nadu’s drug control system, the State Health Department continues to fail in upholding the most basic standards,” Annamalai posted on his social media.
The disgraceful act of carrying life-saving medicines meant for pregnant women & children in a garbage truck to an urban primary health centre in Chennai’s Kodungaiyur speaks volumes about the patchwork model DMK govt’s utter disregard for the well-being of the people of TN.… pic.twitter.com/RcjwrTt1Ld
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) October 9, 2025
The medicines were intended to serve vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children, highlighting the potential risks posed by mishandling essential drugs. Public health experts warned that improper transport and storage could compromise the efficacy of the medicines, posing further risks to patients.
Officials from the Tamil Nadu Health Department have yet to comment on the incident, though social media posts have prompted widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
This latest incident adds to ongoing scrutiny of the State’s health and drug regulatory systems, which came under national attention after multiple infants died from consumption of toxic cough syrup manufactured in Tamil Nadu. Critics argue that repeated lapses reflect systemic failures that endanger public safety and erode trust in government institutions.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
